[ad_pod ]
Watford and Wolves meet at Wembley Stadium this weekend, where one’s dreams of an FA Cup final will be realised and the other’s dashed in heartbreaking fashion. Both sides got huge wins – over Fulham and Manchester United, respectively – under their belts in the midweek fixtures and will be heading into this weekend on a high.
The Hornets’ emphatic 4-1 win over the Cottagers has given Javi Gracia a big decision to make, though, with luxury in depth likely to mean one player undeservedly misses out.
What did Gracia say?
Well, speaking ahead of the highly-anticipated clash, the Spaniard said:
“All the time I have to take difficult decision. If you ask me about Andre Gray, it was the same after he scored important goals at home. He has always played well and I know he is a very important player for us. He is helping the team and I think he’s only focused on the way to help the team.
“For the next game, we’ll see what happens. I have to take difficult decisions. After his performance [on Tuesday], I have to think about that. I always try to choose the best option for the next game.
“When I choose the XI, I am always thinking what is the best for the team. But not only the 11 – it is difficult to put some out of the list when they deserve to stay. It is not easy but it is my job.”
Harsh either way
Indeed, former Burnley man Gray was excellent off the bench in the second half at Vicarage Road last time out, teeing up both Troy Deeney and Kiko Femenia – his sixth and seventh goal contributions of the campaign.
The 27-year-old looked a man possessed having entered the fray and was clearly keen to show Gracia that he should get the nod in the upcoming cup game – the speedster’s display has given the Hornets boss every football manager’s favourite dilemma.
Watch the video below to see the most insane overhead kick you will see this week…
Deeney surely cannot give way for such a big game so, if Gray is to start, then he must replace Gerard Deulofeu, who has been equally impressive up front; another option is that the former Barcelona man is shifted back out wide, although this would seem a waste considering he has netted seven goals and registered five assists playing mainly as a striker.
Whatever Gracia chooses to do in the end, he will be unable to avoid being extremely harsh on one of the two.
