EPL: Bournemouth v Watford preview
Bournemouth v Watford preview
Bournemouth will hope to pick up from where they left off at home last season when they welcome Watford to the Vitality Stadium.
The Cherries went down to a narrow 1-0 defeat to West Brom on the opening weekend and boss Eddie Howe admitted there were few positives to take from the game at the Hawthorns.
Bournemouth will hope the familiar surroundings of home will inspire them to pick up their first points of the season, Howe’s men having been strong on their own patch last term, collecting 31 of their 46 points at the Vitality Stadium.
The home fans were not short of entertainment last season either with 64 goals witnessed at the Vitality, and that number could be set to grow with Jermain Defoe now amongst the ranks.
The England striker started the defeat to West Brom on the bench but is in contention to make his first start against Watford.
He’ll be hoping to form a partnership with last season’s topscorer Joshua King, who netted in both meetings with the Hornets last season on his way to notching 16 Premier League goal.
While scoring goals does not look to be a problem, keeping teams out has been an issue for Howe’s side, conceding in nine of their last 11 home matches.
Bournemouth’s issues at the back will not be helped by an injury to Simon Francis, who limped off at West Brom last week and faces a late fitness test. Junior Stanislas and Callum Wilson are long-term absentees.
Goals were not a problem for Watford last week as they played out a thrilling 3-3 draw with Liverpool at Vicarage Road.
Boss Marco Silva was delighted to see his team strike late to secure a point on his competitive debut, especially given he is still putting the finishing touches to his team.
The Portuguese is eager to make further additions to his squad before the transfer window shuts and admits it will take time before he can get the best out of the Hornets.
One area the former Hull boss will be looking to correct is Watford’s away form after just three victories on the road last season.
The Vitality Stadium was one of a handful of grounds where Watford avoided defeat last term with both matches between the sides ending in 2-2 draws. In fact, six of the last seven meetings between these two have ended in stalemate.
Watford captain Troy Deeney is in contention for the trip to Bournemouth having missed the season-opener with a groin injury.
He could battle it out for a starting spot with club-record signing Andre Gray, who started on the bench last week.
Younes Kaboul, Daryl Janmaat and Roberto Pereyra all suffered muscular injuries in the draw against Liverpool and will miss out, while Craig Cathcart and Mauro Zarate (both knee) are also absent.