EPL: Watford v West Ham preview

Watford v West Ham preview

David Moyes takes charge of West Ham for the first time this weekend against Watford at Vicarage Road on Sunday.

The Scot replaced Slaven Bilic as West Ham's manager earlier this month and he will be looking to get his reign off to a winning start against Watford, with the club currently positioned in the relegation zone.

Unlike their opponents, Watford are nearer the top of the Premier League table than the bottom in ninth but they have endured a difficult spell of late, losing each of their last three league matches.

Despite their recent run of defeats, Marco Silva has attracted plenty of positive attention for the start he has made at Watford and the club knocked back an approach from Everton for his services during the international break.

Watford have a mounting injury list with Belgian defender Christian Kabasele the latest player to suffer a fitness setback. The Belgian is suffering from a back problem but is only rated as a slight doubt for the game.

Silva is also sweating on the fitness of Heurelho Gomes (head), Roberto Pereyra, Sebastian Prodl and Younes Kaboul (all hamstring), all of whom will be assessed pre-match. Nathaniel Chalobah, Isaac Success and Craig Cathcart (all knee) remain long-term absentees.

West Ham's top scorer this season Javier Hernandez is a major doubt to feature in Moyes' first game in charge as he suffered a hamstring injury during Mexico's 3-3 draw against Belgium last week.

James Collins (ankle) and Sam Byram (thigh) are both expected to miss out, while Jose Fonte (ankle) and Michail Antonio (rib) are rated doubtful.