Football pundits tend to dismiss the chances of the promoted teams in their first season in the Premier League. However, there was a different feeling about Wolverhampton Wanderers, who invested wisely over the summer and brought in some good, experienced players.
Wolves have made an excellent start to the campaign and will be aiming to continue that run when they play Watford on Saturday in the Premier League. A win could see them move up to 6th place in the table.
Watford were tipped by many to struggle this season but they occupy a midtable position coming into this match. A win would see them cement their place in the top half of the table.
Wolves have been a revelation in the Premier League this season. Having failed to pick up a win in their opening three games of the season, Wolves defeated West Ham United 1-0 away from home and have not looked back.
Following the win over the Hammers, Wolves have defeated Burnley and Southampton at home plus picked up maximum points at Crystal Palace and a draw at Old Trafford against Manchester United. Wolves have lost only one of their eight Premier League games, which highlights what a tough team they are to beat.
Trends show Wolves are unbeaten in their last fourteen home games in all competitions and have kept a clean sheet in six of their last eight at Molineux Stadium.
Watford are looking to bounce back having suffered a heavy home defeat at the hands of Bournemouth prior to the international break. It was a match Watford were hoping to win but it went badly wrong and they conceded 4 goals without reply.
That defeat means Watford have failed to win any of their last five games in all competitions having made a bright start to the new season.
In the Premier League, Watford have lost three of their last four games, with the defeats coming at home against Manchester United and Bournemouth plus Arsenal away. Their only point from the last 12 available came thanks to a 1-1 draw at Fulham.
Trends show Watford have lost twelve of their last fifteen away league games and have won just two of their last eighteen on the road in all competitions. They have also failed to score a goal in ten of their last fourteen away matches in all competitions.
Team news and Wolves have no additional injury concerns following the international break. They are expected to line-up in their familiar 3-5-2 formation with the same starting XI from every league game this season.
Watford travel without defenders Christian Kabasele and Jose Holebas who are both suspended. Daryl Janmaat and Tom Cleverley are injured plus Marc Navarro is doubtful.
Considering the form of the two teams and the consistency of Wolves defensively, this could be a home win and third clean sheet in a row at Molineux for Nuno Espirito Santo and his team.