Match Previews

MATCH PREVIEW: Albion v Watford

Everything you need to know as the Baggies meet the Hornets on Saturday

AFTER an unbeaten November, Albion's Premier League season continues on Saturday as Walter Mazzarri's Watford come to The Hawthorns (ko 3pm).

The opposition

Eighth in the Premier League and one point above the Baggies, Watford will be thrilled with the start they've made to their first successive season in the top flight. With a new manager and eight new signings, the Hornets have taken 18 points from their first 13 games, two more than at this stage last season. That said, some fans will be cursing inconsistency. Big wins against Leicester and Manchester United were cancelled out by defeats to Burnley and Stoke. This weekend's clash at The Hawthorns could be season-defining for both Watford and Albion, with a win for either side moving them up to sixth.

Last time out

Last season's meetings were the first in the Premier League between the two sides. There was penalty drama at The Hawthorns in April with the Baggies missing twice from the spot as Watford claimed a crucial 1-0 away win, all but securing their safety in the top flight. At Vicarage Road in August, the sides played out a cagey 0-0 draw.

FRIEND OR FOE?: Allan Nyom and James McClean challenge for the ball last season

Team news

Myhill is still sidelined for Albion with an ankle injury. But bar Boaz, the Baggies have a clean bill of health and no suspensions.

As for the Hornets, both Valon Behrami and Miguel Britos are suspended for the trip to West Bromwich. Behrami picked up his fifth booking of the season, whilst Britos was sent off, in Watford's defeat to Stoke last weekend.

Allan Nyom could make his first appearance against his old club since making the journey from Vicarage Road to The Hawthorns on Transfer Deadline Day.

Stats

Albion and Watford have both scored 17 times so far this campaign. However, the Hornets have been slightly leakier at the back. They've conceded 21 goals to Albion's 16.

The Baggies have seven different scorers so far this season, and 36-year-old Gareth McAuley is the highest scoring centre-half in the Premier League (3).

G-FORCE: McAuley heads Albion into a 1-0 lead at the KCOM Stadium last weekend

From the archive

Albion put five past Watford in October 2009 as Roberto Di Matteo's side moved back to the top of the Championship in what would be a promotion winning campaign.


Head to head

Yet to beat Watford in the Premier League, Albion's last victory came in that 5-0 win. After the first meeting in 1977, the overall record stands at 17 wins for the Baggies, 11 for the Hornets and nine draws.

Tickets

Seats are now on general sale for the Premier League clash.

Seats are priced at £25 adults, £20 seniors, £15 students/22 & under and £10 under-17s.

Tickets are available to purchase online (click here), in person from the East Stand Ticket Office or by calling 0121 227 2227.

Concessionary matchday tickets are on offer in West Stand Wings but not West Stand Central.



Follow the game

The game will kick off at 3pm with comprehensive coverage available across all of the Club's social media channels.

Twitter - @WBA
Facebook - West Bromwich Albion
Snapchat - wbafc_official
Instagram - wba

The Gaffer's thoughts