Newcastle United v Watford preview: Mikel Merino set for return

Newcastle will have Mikel Merino available when they look to end a three-game losing run against Watford on Saturday.

Merino, who joined in the summer from Borussia Dortmund, has not featured since scoring the winner against Crystal Palace last month.

Newcastle have lost all three games in his absence, but manager Rafa Benitez is hopeful his return from injury can provide a boost.

"To have him coming back is good news for everybody here," he said. "We have to be sure that we correct things quickly, and if we make a mistake, change that quickly."

While Newcastle have lost their last three games, Watford snapped a three-match losing run with victory over West Ham last time out.

But there is continued speculation over the position of manager Marco Silva, who played down speculation linking him with Everton on Thursday.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Team news

While Merino is set to return for Newcastle, Isaac Hayden will miss the game through suspension.

Paul Dummett (hamstring), Christian Atsu (thigh) and Jamaal Lascelles (ankle) are also out through injury.

Watford boss Silva has no fresh selection problems, but remains without five players for the trip north.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Hornets captain Troy Deeney serves the final game of a three-match suspension, while defenders Craig Cathcart (knee) and Younes Kaboul (hamstring), midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah (knee) and forward Isaac Success (knee) are still injured.

Spanish full-back Kiko Femenia is available to play after being forced off with cramp against West Ham on Sunday.

Opta stats

Newcastle have lost just one of their last 12 home league games against Watford (W8 D3), though that did come in the last such meeting in September 2015 (1-2).

Watford won both league games against Newcastle United in the 2015-16 campaign, but they've never previously managed to beat them in three consecutive league meetings.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

In all competitions, Watford beat Newcastle three times in 2015-16, including an FA Cup third-round tie - one of just 10 occasions the Hornets have beaten the same side at least three times within the same season.

After losing three times in their opening nine games of the Premier League season (W4 D2 L3), Newcastle United have now lost three games in a row and scored just one goal in this run.

Merson's prediction

I fancy Watford to win this. I watched Newcastle v Bournemouth the other week at St James', Bournemouth had some really good chances in that game, and I think Watford are a better side than Bournemouth.

I don't really see much up front for Newcastle, and I'm not sure why Rafa Benitez doesn't play Mitrovic more. He's a presence and can put himself about. I think Dwight Gayle maybe needs someone beside him to bully people, and then hit them with his pace.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2 (10/1 with Sky Bet)

Betting

Newcastle are Sky Bet's 23/20 favourites for the win with Watford priced at 23/10, the same price of the draw. Despite being Rafael Benitez's preferred choice, Joselu is actually a longer priced at 6/1 to open the scoring than both Dwight Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrovic at 5/1 to open the scoring. Andre Gray and Richarlison are also 6/1 shots in a wide-open first goalscorer market.

Newcastle v Watford is included in this weekend's Super 6, with £250,000 up for grabs for predicting six correct scores.

Play Super 6

Simply predict six correct scores to win the £250k jackpot. Enter your selections for free here.