Premier League new boys Watford begin their top flight adventure with an opening day clash against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
The home side enters the opening matchday on the back of a relatively quiet summer transfer wise, signing only three players: Tom Cleverley (free), David Henen (undisclosed) and Gerard Deulofeu (£4.3 million). The fee paid for Deulofeu represents the total amount of money spent by the Toffees thus far, the lowest sum in the top flight.
In terms of results, the build-up to the new campaign has been mixed for the Toffees. Friendlies against Swindon Town, Hearts and Dundee FC heralded nine goals with only one conceded in three wins. However, results in the Asia Trophy were not as good against Premier League opposition. The Blues prevailed in a drab 0-0 draw against Stoke but were humbled 3-1 by Arsenal. In that match, they lacked any real attacking threat until the introduction of Romelu Lukaku.
Everton have spent less than 1% of the £500m+ Premier League clubs have invested on new players this summer. #ambitious
— School of Science (@SOS1878) August 4, 2015
Like Everton, Watford’s preseason results have fluctuated. The Hornets prevailed in fixtures against St Albans City (4-0), SC Verl (4-1), SC Paderborn (2-0) and Dundee United (1-0) but fell in their previous two fixtures against Cardiff City (2-1) and Sevilla (1-0).
Despite the latter two defeats, the friendlies offered the chance for Watford’s new signings to find their feet in the team, of which there have been many and often came at good value. New boss Enrique Sanchez Flores has aimed high in terms of quality too, bringing in experienced campaigners including Valon Behrami, Jose Holebas, Etienne Capoue and Sebastian Prodl.
Key Battle – Jose Holebas vs Seamus Coleman
In a system that seeks to utilise width, dynamic right-back Seamus Coleman forms a vital part. Everton will attempt to pin the league newcomers into their own half and make the home ground advantage count; the 26-year-old will look to dart forward on every occasion and provide an extra attacking number.
Looking to curb his influence will be former AS Roma left-back Holebas, whose experience will be crucial in Watford’s quest for survival. He too will look to press forward and keep Coleman accountable. The Greek international assisted one goal last season, only one less than his Irish counterpart.
Team News
The Merseysiders will be forced to begin the season with a rather thin squad that has been hit by injury. The returning Deulofeu looks likely to miss with a hamstring injury, while Kevin Mirallas is also in some doubt after missing Duncan Ferguson’s testimonial, however, Lukaku is expected to play after an injury cloud loomed over his head. Darron Gibson, Aiden McGeady, Steven Pineaar and Mohamed Besic all face longer spells on the sidelines.
Everton Expected XI (4-2-3-1): Howard (GK); Coleman, Stones, Jagielka, Baines; McCarthy, Barry; Naismith, Barkley, Cleverley; Lukaku.
Of the away side’s new signings, only Miguel Britos is expected to miss with injury. Flores looks to have come close to settling on his preferred starting XI and there will be plenty of names that are familiar to Premier League followers.
Watford Expected XI (4-2-3-1): Gomes (GK); Nyom, Cathcart, Prodl, Holebas; Capoue, Behrami; Jurado, Ighalo, Anya; Deeney.
Head-to-Head
Everton has dominated this fixture. The Blues have beaten the Hornets 13 times since 1982, while Watford have celebrated victory over the Merseyside club just twice – their last win came in 1987.
Previous Meeting
These teams last met in the league in 2007 at Vicarage Road. Eveton prevailed 3-0 on that occasion.
Prediction
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Watford will look to stifle Everton’s passing game and press high up the pitch from the opening whistle, eager to make an impression on day one. Concurrently, the trip to Goodison Park should hold no fear for Flores and his side. Everton remains somewhat suspect both defensively and in attack and the nerves that often surfaced last season may still linger. The result and flow of the match could rest on the availability of wingers Mirallas and Deulofeu. Should they miss, a much slower, cagier battle can be expected.
Everton 0 Watford 0
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