Express & Star

Wolves v Watford FA Cup semi-final a 'special tie'

Wolves versus Watford in the semi-finals of the FA Cup has been dubbed as a 'special tie'.

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Wolves lost 2-0 at home to Watford in October (© AMA SPORTS PHOTO AGENCY)

Nuno Espirito Santo's team will take on the Hornets at Wembley next month in a clash that pits seventh against eighth from the Premier League.

Pundit Clinton Morrison says the tie is too close to call – but is anticipating a memorable encounter.

"That's a great semi-final because those two teams are in superb form," Morrison, speaking on the Radio 5 Live Football Daily podcast, said.

"I like that tie, I think it'll be special. Two very good managers and the players are full of confidence. It's a hard game to call.

"Nuno, the way Wolves are playing this season, it's been a joy to watch them.

"The way they turned over Manchester United was brilliant.

"They probably believe they're going to win football matches – they went to Chelsea last week and were minutes away from winning.

"They believe they can go to the top teams and get results.

"They fully deserved it.

"They've got Neves and Moutinho in there but Dendoncker does all the horrible work.

"Doherty has been outstanding. The things he can do going forward, delivering balls into the box and scoring goals.

"Jimenez is always in the right place and scores important goals for them, he's a handful."

Burnley forward Jonathan Walters, who is currently sidelined through injury, said Wolves are having an unbelievable season.

"What a season they're having," he said. "And the way the club's being built up as well, you see before the game with the light show, the atmosphere, everything's brilliant about them.

"On a big occasion Wolves' players turn up.

"Wolves are doing it against the top six, producing a results.

"They're having an unbelievable season. They're in a semi-final, it's a great story for them."

Former Arsenal and Albion striker Kevin Campbell said Nuno's tactical tweak to 3-5-2 back in December has been crucial.

"What Nuno's realised is at times he needs to strengthen the middle of the pitch," Campbell said.

"That's key. They still play three at the back and with progressive wing-backs, but it's those three in the middle that's the key.

"When they played three up top, at times they got outnumbered in the middle of the pitch.

"That little adjustment is proving – Man United had good possession but they couldn't penetrate them.

"If Manchester City don't get (to the final) the winner of this game is going to say we've got a great chance of winning the FA Cup."