Watford are set to make their Premier League bow at a ‘new look’ Vicarage Road for the first time in eight years this Saturday, as the Hornets welcome Tony Pulis’ West Bromwich Albion.
The Albion, are coming into the back of this clash after a 3-0 drubbing in the hands of title fighters, Manchester City on Monday night, whilst the Hornets produced an enlightening display at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Watford have today announced the loan signing of Nathan Ake from Chelsea for the remainder of the season, whilst the Baggies have opened their cheque book to sign Venezuelan international, Salomon Rondon from Russian side Zenit.
The Hornets and The Baggies last clashed in the Coca Cola Championship 2009-10 season, as both sides drew 1-1 at Vicarage Road, which eventually lead to the Baggies gaining promotion to the top flight.
Watford Team News:
It’s unsure at the moment whether Flores will throw new signing Nathan Ake straight into the side on Saturday, but the Spaniard is provided with a massive boost of two returning key players.
Almen Abdi and Steven Berghuis, who is still yet to make his competitive debut, were both ruled out for the Hornets opener away to Everton due to knee injuries, but are gradually returning to full fitness after they both rejoined training sessions this week.
However, new signings Miguel Britos and Giedrius Arlauskis are still both suspended.
Player to watch: Odion Ighalo
Odion Ighalo was leaving everyone apart from the three thousand Watford fans in the away end speechless after his impact at Everton on Saturday, coming off the bench and flooring two England international defenders to put the Hornets on course for their first Premier League point on the board.
If Ighalo is called upon to start, I think he will be a very big threat, as he looks like he is picking up where he left off last season.
West Bromwich Albion Team News:
Tony Pulis is likely to get specialist recommendations as to whether he should give the nod to duo Serge Gnabry and Salamon Rondon, who have both recently arrived at The Hawthorns, to see if they are fit enough to make their debuts.
Experienced defender, Gareth McAuley, is likely to make a return to the West Brom team after suffering from a calf injury.
Player to watch: Rickie Lambert
West Brom’s summer addition in Rickie Lambert is no stranger to the Hornets, as he is one of those players who just loves to score against the Golden Boys, with the thirty-three year old scoring five goals in his last two appearances against Watford, for Southampton.
His last appearance at Vicarage Road saw him net all three goals for the Saints in a 3-0 away win in the 2011-12 Championship.
Quotes from the managers:
Quique Flores speaking to the club:
“I`m expecting the fans to create a great atmosphere at the stadium in our first official match here this season, and the aim is obviously to get a good result to please them.
“We have to try and keep the players` confidence up in every match so we have the chance to win, be competitive and get the three points.”
Baggies Boss Tony Pulis speaking in a pre-match press conference:
“To have Man City and Chelsea as the two home games to start with is very difficult, then to play a newly promoted team on their first home game is tough.”
Ref Watch:
Paul Tierney is the referee for tomorrow’s clash, read our ‘Man In The Middle’ feature to find out all of the key stats about him, HERE.
Tribute to Chris Dyer
There will be a tribute to 32 year old Watford fan, Chris Dyer, after the Hornets fan was tragically killed in the Tunisia attacks. The club have arranged an applause to take place in his remembrance. Thoughts are still with him and his family.
