Watford travel to the London Stadium on Saturday as they hope to clinch the maximum points for the first time this season. Handed a tough start to the league, the Hornets have tried valiantly but have a solitary point to show for their efforts. A well-earned point on the opening weekend against Southampton was followed by losses against Chelsea and Arsenal. They were mightily impressive in the match against the Blue but their lack of killer instinct put paid to their hopes of clinching an unlikely victory. And when Arsenal came calling with their incisive football and tremendous quality, Mazzarri’s men had no answer to them. With a match next with Manchester United, Watford will look at this match as their best chance for points during the unforgiving opening 5 fixtures.
But the task will not be any easier against West Ham United. With a win already under their belt, the ambitious Hammers will be looking to gather steam as they hope to leave behind the disappointment of their Europa League exit. Though they have their own problems to deal with, the return of the likes of Payet will be a perfect boost as the team strives to strike a balance in defence and attack with invention down the middle being an area of concern.
HERE IS THE PREDICTED WATFORD LINE-UP VERSUS WEST HAM UNITED (3-4-1-2)
DEFENCE
Heurelho Gomes will line-up in goal and will look to earn his first clean sheet of the season. The back three will likely consist of Kaboul, Kabasele and Sebastian Prodl. Younes Kaboul will look to establish himself as a leader having tons of Premier League experience behind him. Daryl Janmaat will hope for a start in the right full-back position. Amrabat is an alternative on the right-hand side. While Holebas is expected to line up on the opposite side.
MIDFIELD
Valon Behrami and Etienne Capoue will station themselves in the central midfield role and will be a part of the troika. Capoue got off to an enterprising start with goals in successive games from an unfamiliar position behind the strikers but the signing of Roberto Pereyra made him move back into a more conventional role.
ATTACK
Roberto Pereyra will line up behind the two strikers and will look to push on from his goal against the Gunners. He possesses the potential to hurt the Hammers and will be a key component of the Hornet’s push towards their ambitions. While the front two will be the usual suspects- Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo. They will look to kick-start their season as well.
