PREM: Watford v Bournemouth preview

Watford v Bournemouth preview

Watford winger Gerard Deulofeu is in contention for a first appearance of the season when his side take on Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.

Deulofeu has seen his recovery from a foot injury hampered by a hip and abdominal problem, but should be available along with Stefano Okaka, Miguel Britos and Sebastian Prodl, who have all resumed training.

And Javi Gracia is confident the former Barcelona winger can provide another dimension to the frontline.

"He can play in different positions. If we keep the same shape he can play as a winger on both sides and as a striker as well," he said. "If we change the shape, to 4-3-3 for example, then he can play in the three positions as well."

After their dip following an impressive start to the season, Watford, who are sixth in the table, are seeking to end a winless run of four matches when they host Bournemouth.

Gracia's side could climb back into the top four with a win over Bournemouth should results elsewhere also go their way and the manager will continue to set the bar high for the Hertfordshire club.

"For me, Watford is the best - not the best of the rest. We will try to be the best of all and win all the games we play in," he said. "At the end of the season we will see where we are and we want to be not only the best of the rest."

Meanwhile, Bournemouth travel to Vicarage Road on Saturday in hope of building upon their current seventh-placed standing in the Premier League following Monday's win over Crystal Palace at the Vitality Stadium.

"We bounced back well in our last game against Crystal Palace and we're looking to do the same again... the importance is to deliver another good performance," said manager Eddie Howe.

Watford defender Marc Navarro has picked up a minor fitness issue, so will not feature against Bournemouth, while Daryl Janmaat (knee) and midfielder Tom Cleverley (Achilles) both continue their own rehabilitation.

Bournemouth have no fresh injury concerns. Winger Junior Stanislas, fit again after knee surgery, came off the bench to score a late penalty in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Monday night so should feature again.

Left-back Charlie Daniels is closing in on a return from his knee problem, while midfielder Kyle Taylor (calf) also continues his rehabilitation.

"We're okay," Howe said. "Charlie Daniels is making his way back from his knee problem and we have Junior Stanislas working his way back and getting minutes, but apart from that we're looking okay."