Watford and West Ham are two of the Premier League’s nine winless teams. Neither side has played well in their opening two matches and have combined for just one goal.
The Hornets have failed to score in 180 minutes of football. Javi Gracia’s team has conceded four goals in losses to Brighton and Everton. Gracia’s job has to be under pressure following Watford’s awful end to last season and poor start to the new term.
West Ham spent money in the offseason but it hasn’t bore fruit. West Ham have scored just one goal while conceding six times. Five of those conceded goals came against Manchester City on matchday 1.
The Hammers managed a draw against Brighton last weekend, 1-1, but were on the ropes. Javier Hernandez’s goal gave West Ham a share of the spoils against the run of play. The Hammers were outshot 16-8 and only accumulated 42% of possession.
Gracia has three players facing late fitness tests at Vicarage Road. Ismaila Sarr, Abdoulaye Doucoure, and Roberto Pereyra are all facing time out unless they pass their fitness tests for the weekend. Sarr is yet to play after his summer transfer from Rennes.
Troy Denney has been ruled out of the fixture leaving Watford light up top. If Pereyra cannot go, then the Hornets will be lacking offensive firepower.
West Ham summer signing Sebastien Haller should be fit for the fixture as he is nearly recovered from a knock. Mark Noble and Felipe Anderson are also expected to be fit for Saturday’s kick off at Vicarage Road.
Last season, the away team won both matches between Watford and West Ham. Manuel Pellegrini’s team went to Vicarage Road in the second half of the season and claimed a 4-1 victory. The Hammers were up 2-0 at halftime.
Noble scored twice for West Ham while attacking midfielder Manuel Lanzini and striker Marko Arnautovic both tallied goals. West Ham are undefeated in four of their last eight matches against Watford in the Premier League.
What a day 🙌 https://t.co/teOikClVHJ— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) August 23, 2019
What a day 🙌 https://t.co/teOikClVHJ
Three of the last eight Premier League games between Watford and West Ham have had over 2.5 goals. Meanwhile, all eight fixtures saw more than 1.5 goals scored.
Neither side is playing well to start the season. However, West Ham are slightly better at this point. The Hammers will pick up a win at Vicarage Road once more. Expect Watford to finally get on the scoresheet as the two rivals combine for over 2.5 goals.