West Ham United will host Watford tomorrow in what will be a clash of two mid-table clubs in the Premier League. The two teams are separated by just three points right now, and like the Clarets, the Hammers have quite a few injury concerns that has stopped them from making an even bigger jump in the table since David Moyes’ arrival.
While Watford ended a run of four games without a win in all competitions after their shock 4-1 win over Chelsea, West Ham have failed to win in any of their last four games in all competitions. The most surprising loss came against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup as the Latics picked a 2-0 win at the London Stadium in the Fourth Round.
A look at the past 10 meetings between the two sides will tell you that Watford have managed to do well against West Ham. They have won 6 and lost just twice. The more recent meetings in the Premier League have seen West Ham win just once from the last 5 fixtures between the two sides; a 3-1 win in April 2016.
Watford had more productive January transfer window compared to West Ham, though. The West Ham fans weren’t pleased as the club let go of Andrew Ayew and signed the inexperienced Jordan Hugill as a replacement. They did add Joao Mario who will provide more steel to the midfield. The recent acquisition of Patrice Evra makes little sense.
Watford, on the other hand, signed 4 players including Gerard Deulofeu and Didier N’Dong. Deulofeu’s loan spell got off to a smashing start as he scored once against Chelsea.
Team news
Marko Arnautovic and Edimilson Fernandes are unlikely to play while the duo of Andy Carroll and Manuel Lanzini have been ruled out. Lanzini’s absence has hurt the team in terms of creativity while Arnautovic’s injury came at the worst possible time as he was starting to score a few goals. Though he is back in training, Moyes will not want to risk him and play him from the 1st minute. Jose Fonte cold return to the starting XI.
Watford
Still no Will Hughes and Kiko Femenia for Watford. Younes Kaboul and Heurelho Gomez are also not fit. The positive news is that Troy Deeney won’t face any action from the FA for his obscene gesture after scoring against Chelsea, though he has been warned.
Probable lineups
West Ham United: Adrian; Zabaleta, Ogbonna, Fonte, Cresswell; Noble, Kouyaté, Mario, Byram, Antonio; Hernandez
Watford: Karnezis; Mariappa, Prodl, Holebas; Janmaat, Capoue, Doucoure, Zeegelar; Deulofeu, Pereyra, Deeney
Odds
West Ham: 7/5
Draw: 23/10
Watford: 19/10