West Brom vs. Watford Match Analysis and Prediction

West Bromwich Albion and Watford will meet on Monday evening, looking to build on their positive starts to the season with kickoff at 10 pm.

West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Bruce would have liked an easier start to the season than facing Middlesbrough on the road. Nevertheless, a 1-1 draw at the Riverside Stadium should only benefit the Baggies going forward as they bid to launch a sustained bid for promotion.

Bruce had spoken highly of new arrivals John Swift and Jed Wallace in the build-up to the contest in the North East, and the pair combined for West Brom’s equaliser shortly after the break.

Providing that their forwards can find some form, the West Midlands outfit has every chance of lasting the pace this season, particularly if defender Daryl Dike can stay fit and produce the kind of imposing displays that enhanced his reputation at Barnsley.

Rob Edwards decided to leave Forest Green Rovers for Watford over the summer, risking becoming another Hornets manager who fails to last a year. However, beating Sheffield United was the best possible start for a manager who will constantly be under pressure at Vicarage Road.

According to reports, Watford has had chances to cash in on Joao Pedro this summer. But the young Brazilian came up with the goal, which proved to be the difference against the Blades.

West Brom vs Watford Head to Head

Both sides have 11 games against each other, taking three wins and five draws. Here is a look at their previous encounters:

Home

• Middlesbrough 1-1 West Brom
• West Brom 2-1 Hertha BSC
• Oxford United 0-3 West Brom
• Crewe Alexandra 1-1 West Brom

Away

• Watford 1-0 Sheffield United
• Watford 0-0 Southampton
• Wycombe Wanderers 4-1 Watford
• Watford 0-2 Bolton

West Brom Team News

Despite a point against Middlesbrough, there is room for some changes to the West Brom starting lineup. Alex Mowatt might start in place of Jayson Molumby in central midfield, and Dike could be used as a striker.

Watford Team News

Edwards may be planning to keep the same Watford starting lineup from the win over Sheffield United. That would mean new arrivals Rey Manaj and Vakoun Issouf Bayo would have to settle for a place on the substitutes’ bench.

Prediction and Odds

Both teams will feel like they were given a tough draw, which only continues here. Having come through their first match unbeaten, neither side will feel the need to push for all three points and risk defeat, leaving us to predict a dull 0-0 draw.

• Draw
• Double Chance
• Both Teams to Score