EPL: Everton v Watford preview

Everton v Watford preview

Everton will be hoping to kick-start their season when they play host to Watford at Vicarage Road on Sunday.

The Toffees will head into the match inside the Premier League relegation zone and they have failed to win any of their last eight matches in all competitions, while they have lost all three of their games since David Unsworth took over as interim manager.

Unsworth will once again be in the dugout for the visit of Watford and they will be buoyed by their recent record against the Hornets, as they have only lost one of the last 13 meetings between the two sides,  although that defeat did come at Vicarage Road last season.

Defender Michael Keane is in line to return to the fold after recovering from an infection in his leg, while Wayne Rooney, Leighton Baines and Phil Jagielka are also expected to feature after being rested for Thursday night's Europa League defeat to Lyon.

In contrast Watford have made an impressive start to the season, although they are aiming to bounce back from consecutive defeats to Chelsea and Stoke.

The 4-2 defeat at Stamford Bridge was their only loss on the road to date this season, while they have scored exactly two goals in all their away games so far this term.

The Hornets will have to do without captain Troy Deeney, however, as he begins a three-game ban following an altercation with Stoke midfielder Joe Allen last week, while Roberto Pereyra, Younes Kaboul and Sebastien Prodl are also unavailable.