Watford securing seventh would boost FA Cup Final hopes against Man City, says Adam Masina

Eurovision: Adam Masina has eyes for the Europa League
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Adam Masina has urged his Watford team-mates to secure a place in the Europa League before they face Manchester City in the FA Cup Final.

Watford earned a 1-1 draw against Southampton on Tuesday night thanks to Andre Gray’s late strike, which cancelled out Shane Long’s record-breaking opener after seven seconds.

A point was enough for Javi Gracia’s side to reclaim seventh spot, which would guarantee a place in the Europa League.

Watford will also be in next season’s competition if they win the Cup Final on May 18 and left-back Masina believes they can boost their bid for Wembley glory if they have European football already in the bag.

He said: “It would be better for us as we could play the final with a free mind and no pressure.

“When I arrived here at the start of the season I looked at every single player and I said to myself there was very good quality. We work every day in the right way and maybe we can achieve something special. We are in the final of the FA Cup and we have a chance to finish in seventh position in the League.

“It would be a dream to play in the final, something very special. I have not been playing as much as I would have liked but I knew already when I came here that this might be the case at first. I will keep working hard like I have throughout the season.”

Long’s goal last night — timed at 7.69 seconds — was the fastest in Premier League history and came about after he had charged down defender Craig Cathcart’s attempted clearance.

Watford have now failed to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League since February 9 and Masina says the team must cut out sloppy errors if they are to move forward.

“We need to avoid certain mistakes,” added Masina, who has started the last three games with regular left-back Jose Holebas out injured. “We must work to try to avoid these kind of mistakes.”

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