Got over Watford’s dramatic victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers yet? Of course you haven’t.
In what was one of the best FA Cup semi-finals in recent memory, Watford came from two goals down to defeat Wolves – with Troy Deeney’s injury-time penalty taking the contest to extra-time.
It was one of those ‘I was there’ moments and it will live long in the memory of Watford supporters.
Watford, currently clinging onto 10th position in the Premier League table, have bounced back after a difficult period. Javi Gracia has the Hornets playing an exciting brand of football and players like Gerard Deulofeu and Roberto Pereyra are starting to come of age.
Deulofeu has six goals and two assists in his last eight matches and his form has been key to Watford’s recent success – especially in that Wembley win over Wolves.
Deulofeu in particular has been outstanding in 2018/19. Capable of making an impact in the starting line-up or off the substitutes bench, the former Barcelona winger has stepped up to the plate this season.
Once compared to Lionel Messi in his youth days, Deulofeu hasn’t quite lived up to the hype but he is now shining on the big stage and Watford are reaping the rewards. Could he be the one to make the difference against Manchester City?
The Hornets’ record against the ‘Big 6’ has been poor this season. With just three points in 10 Premier League matches against England’s elite, Watford have failed to compete at the highest level.
That may go some way to explaining why 888sport are going 4/1 for Watford to lift the FA Cup in May’s final at Wembley. Gracia will have to come up with a game plan to combat City’s attacking threat.
The FA Cup has took a fair bit of stick over the years but the competition fought back at the ideal moment. Manchester City were expected to put Brighton & Hove Albion to the sword but were underwhelming under the Wembley arch.
Watford’s memorable success stole the limelight and the Hornets will be quietly confident of upsetting Pep Guardiola’s side in next month’s FA Cup final at the same venue.
Currently priced at 12/1 to get the job done inside 90 minutes, Watford will need everything to go their way to stand any chance of winning at Wembley.
The Hornets will be hoping that City’s excursions of competing on four fronts takes its toll and Watford may benefit directly from their success in other competitions.
Watford may head into the FA Cup final knowing that they can stop the Blues from winning an unprecedented quadruple.
It isn’t quite the David vs Goliath story of 2013 but Watford can ‘do a Wigan’ and beat City at Wembley. Neutrals will be cheering Watford on in the domestic showpiece and all of the pressure and expectation will be on Manchester City.
Watford will relish the underdog role under the famous Wembley arch and we could be set for another thrilling encounter. Ignore the critics, the FA Cup isn’t finished yet.
*Odds subject to change - correct at time of writing*
