West Brom vs Watford: Championship Preview, Gameweek 2, 2022

Watford will travel to the Hawthorns to face West Brom in an early season clash, as both teams target promotion for the new season.

West Brom vs Watford: Championship Preview, Gameweek 2, 2022
West Bromwich Albion V Manchester City, at the Hawthorns, August 10th., 2015
(Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Mark Leech Sports Photography/Getty Images) 
danielmoroney
By Daniel Moroney

The Championship campaign kicked off last week, as both teams had a positive outset to their opening matches. Watford beat the Blades at Vicarage Road on Monday night, while the Baggies faced Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium, where it finished deadlock.

West Brom had a poor start to the first half in their opening game, although they did manage to salvage a point, from a much improved second-half performance from the Baggies, with the equaliser coming from the former Reading midfielder John Swift.

On the other hand - Watford played Sheffield United at home in an eye-catching affair, it finished 1-0 to the Hornets, with a goal coming from the talented 20-year-old, Joao Pedro. Overall, it was a positive display from Rob Edwards' team, but still, a lot to work on during the course of the season.

It will be interesting to see which way this enthralling clash pans out. West Brom have had an extra two days to prepare for this game since Watford played late on Monday night - likewise, the home advantage goes in West Brom's favour.

Ahead of this game, West Brom will hold a minute of applause for their club legend Bobby Hope. A club statement said: "The thoughts of all at the club remain with bobby's family, friends and teammates who continue to mourn his loss."

  • Team news

West Brom

Such as their fall from grace last season, West Brom are not really being spoken of as genuine contenders for the Championship title this season.

Nevertheless, manager Steve Bruce may prefer it that way, aware that the additions of John Swift and Jed Wallace should help keep the Baggies in contention for promotion this time around.

The core of the squad stays strong from last season, with only a replacement potentially being required for outgoing goalkeeper Sam Johnson - who has joined Crystal Palace on a four-year deal.

It is expected that there will not be a lot of changes on the Baggies team sheet for this weekend's clash. New signing Okay Yokuslu - who has been linked heavily with joining the Hornets in the past, is still not expected to be named in Steve Bruce's first home game of the new campaign.

Watford

The Hornets have no new injury concerns and are expected to line up similarly to how they did against Sheffield United. Mario Gaspar who has recently joined Watford may make his debut after he watched Watford's last victory from the stands of Vicarage Road.

With regards to outgoings, nothing has changed and Watford's lethal three-man attack are all expected to make the team sheet. Edwards told Sky Sports on Monday night: "I was pleased with the performance of our forward players, and while they're here, we must make use of them."

Watford are on the verge of agreeing on a deal with Manchester United that would see Ethan Laird join the Hornets on a 1-year loan deal. With that being said, it is unlikely that he will play a part considering the club are yet to make the announcement official.

The Hornets are still in the market for a new centre-back, but it now seems likely that this potential new signing will miss out on their second game of the season, which is not ideal for Edwards and his preparations with the squad.

  • Likely lineups

West Brom

Button (GK), Townsend, Ajayi, O'Shea, Furlong, Molumby, Livermore, Diangana, Swift, Wallace, Grant (4-2-3-1)

 

Watford

Bachmann (GK), Sierralta, Kabasele, Cathcart, Gaspar, Kamara, Cleverley, Kayembe, Sarr, Dennis, Pedro (3-4-1-2)

 

  • Key players

Jayson Molumby

The Baggies boss, Steve Bruce, has been satisfied with the performances of young Irishman Molumby, who has made his deal permanent with West Brom, after being on loan last season.

The former Brighton midfielder featured 31 times last season and scored one goal.

The midfield will certainly be a place to watch during this game and is arguably one of Watford's weakest areas on the pitch. If West Brom take control of the midfield early on in this game, it will certainly make life difficult for the away side.

Embed from Getty Images

Emmanuel Dennis

If Watford are to retain Emmanuel Dennis, which you think would be implausible - they will have to play to his strengths. Dennis performed exceedingly well, and was arguably the best player on the pitch against Paul Heckingbottom's side.

The 24-year-old played 33 times for the Hornets and scored a remarkable amount of 10 goals, for the team that got relegated last season from the Premier League.

Many clubs are interested in the Nigerian however, Watford are still yet to receive an official bid. The price tag that is being quoted is in the region of £20 million, which is a bargain in this day and age. As the window moves on - you would expect a club to make a move for him.

Embed from Getty Images

  • Previous meeting

The last time these two teams faced each other in a competitive match was back in 2018 - when both sides were playing in England's top flight. Watford beat West Brom 1-0 on that day, with the goal coming through Troy Deeney.

  • Match details

Where is the game being played?

The game will be played at West Bromwich Albion's home ground, the Hawthorns.

What time is Kick-off?

Kick-off is at 20:00 (BST) on Monday, August 8

How can I watch it?

This game is available to watch on Sky Sports Football (UK/Ireland), Sky Sports Main Event (UK/Ireland) and also available to view via Sky Go.