As it happenedended1552757186

Premier League: Late goals as West Ham stun Huddersfield and Leicester strike late to beat Burnley

It was another action-packed afternoon in the Premier League

Michael Jones
Saturday 16 March 2019 17:47 GMT
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Brendan Rodgers named Leicester City manager

Late goals were the order of the day in another exciting afternoon of Premier League action.

Matt Ritchie was on hand to smash a half-volley in at the back post against former side Bournemouth as Newcastle snatched the latest of points. Javier Hernandez scored twice in the final embers as West Ham left bottom club Huddersfield contemplating another away defeat.

And Wes Morgan's late strike proved the winner for 10-man Leicester as Burnley's relegation fears worsened.

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Good morning and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of the FA Cup and Premier League and a packed Saturday of action.

First up, Watford vs Crystal Palace for a place in the semi-finals of the world's oldest cup competition.

Watford saw off non-league Woking before victories against Newcastle and QPR, whilst Crystal Palace nudged past Grimsby, shocked Tottenham and breezed past Doncaster. 

If the Hornets want a short trip to Wembley, they’ll have to be weary of the Palace’s threat on the break. 

The Hornets are in good form though, and given they are sat comfortably in the top half, there’s no reason why they can’t throw everything at winning a trophy. 

We'll have all the latest updates for you from Vicarage Road so without further ado, off we go.

Ben Burrows16 March 2019 10:58
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Watford vs Crystal Palace

Team news

Michael Jones16 March 2019 11:01
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Watford vs Crystal Palace

Here are some FA Cup stats for Watford.

They have progressed from their last three FA Cup quarter-final ties, in 2003, 2007 and 2016.

Neither Watford nor Crystal Palace have conceded a goal in this season's competition. Watford have faced 21 shots and Palace 42.

Another clean sheet today and the Hornets could equal the club FA Cup record of four consecutive clean sheets.

Michael Jones16 March 2019 11:15
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Watford vs Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have won their last three FA Cup quarter-finals but all against lower-league opponents. 

They lost their last two last-eight ties against top-flight opposition: Everton in 1907 and Leeds United in 1965

Like Watford, Palace could equal the club FA Cup record of four consecutive clean sheets, set in 1924.

Roy Hodgson has been in two FA Cup quarter-finals as a manager and has lost both with Fulham. In 2009 against Manchester United and in 2010 against Tottenham.

Michael Jones16 March 2019 11:21
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Watford vs Crystal Palace

Both managers have been speaking up about the FA Cup, here's what they had to say: 

Watford head coach Javi Gracia: "It's something different, something special. We are so close to playing in a semi-final. We feel it and know it's important.

"It is a very good chance for us but also Palace as well. Playing against Palace is always very demanding. All the games have been very, very close. We have to be ready knowing it will be a very close game again."

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson: "Of course it would be a wonderful thing to do, to win the FA Cup, but there's a lot to do before we can even hope to achieve that.

"The final is the stuff of which dreams are made of. We have to confront reality and the present when it comes to the match with Watford, knowing full-well, if we want to see a dream come true, we've got to get through that Watford game."

Michael Jones16 March 2019 11:30
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Watford vs Crystal Palace

Team news

Watford make eight changes to the side that lost to Manchester City last weekend. Kiko Femenia, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Etienne Capoue are only players to retain their starting places.

Roberto Pereyra, Gerard Deulofeu, Will Hughes and skipper Troy Deeney all return to bolster the front line.

Roy Hodgson makes three changes to the Crystal Palace side which lost to Brighton last Saturday. Martin Kelly, Cheikhou Kouyate and Max Meyer all come into the starting line-up.

Scott Dann, Patrick van Aanholt and Wilfried Zaha miss out completely.

Michael Jones16 March 2019 11:37
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The beauty of the FA Cup is still alive...

Michael Jones16 March 2019 11:45
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Crystal Palace are up for it today... 

Michael Jones16 March 2019 11:52
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Watford vs Crystal Palace

Watford and Palace have faced each other twice already this season. The Hornets winning both matches 2-1.

Will it be a repeat result today?

Michael Jones16 March 2019 12:01
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No Zaha for Crystal Palace due to injury, here's what Roy Hodgson had to say about the striker and a potential trip to Wembley:

"Wilf Zaha came off with a tight hamstring against Brighton and we had been nursing it all week. Unfortunately he didn't come through a test on Thursday.

"When you get this far you see the Wembley towers in front of you and you dream of getting there.

"I've never reached a semi-final in England, so here's an opportunity for the players to elevate me to a new milestone in my career, which would be very nice if they do!"

Michael Jones16 March 2019 12:04

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