Everton open their Premier League campaign at home to newly-promoted Watford on Saturday. The Toffees have won all of their last five meetings with the Hornets, including a 0-3 away victory in 2007 when the sides last clashed.
Roberto Martinez is not expecting an easy game on Saturday against a side he labelled as a “dangerous team” in his pre-match interview. Watford were runners up in the Championship last season and they have been the busiest Premier League side this summer with 10 new players joining their ranks.
Watford’s new manager Quique Flores will be in the same boat as some of the summer signings in terms of adjusting to the English game. All in all, 22 nationalities are represented in the Hornets’ camp so the transition process will be key to their survival hopes.
They will at least have a couple of experienced players in the dressing room to help with that. Miguel Layun is one of the key players in Flores’ side. The Mexican helped his country win the CONCACAF Gold Cup this summer.
Everton, on the other hand, have had a quiet summer so far with only three players joining their squad while six players departed. There is still fear that one of the best players at the club, John Stones, could sign for Chelsea this summer.
Martinez recently admitted that Chelsea’s steadfast interest may be affecting his young defender. The Spanish manager is keen on adding at least three new players before September 1, when the transfer window closes.
Everton team news
- Everton have the longest injured list in the division with nine players potentially going to miss the season opener.
- Steven Pienaar (hamstring), Darron Gibson (ankle), Tony Hibbert (knock), Gerard Deulofeu and Aiden McGeady (both hamstring) are out injured.
- Stones had a knock to the ankle he had surgery on last season so he will be monitored closely ahead of this game. Kevin Mirallas will also be monitored because of an ankle injury but Romelu Lukaku (hamstring) should be ready.
Watford team news
- Miguel Britos is suspended following a red card for a headbutt in his last game for Napoli.
- Joel Ekstrand (ACL knee) and Lloyd Doyley (neck) are long-term injury absentees.
- Almen Abdi is expected to shake off his knee problem in time to be available for the game.
Everton vs Watford prediction
Given their limited transfer activity, the Toffees should start with a familiar line up. Stones and Phil Jagielka will probably be the central defenders while Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman complete the back four as full-backs.
Gareth Barry is likely to be the deepest lying central midfielder, allowing James McCarthy and possibly Tom Cleverley to push on as central attacking midfielders. Ross Barkley and Steven Naismith can be the wide attacking midfielders supporting Lukaku if Mirallas, Deulofeu and McGeady all miss out.
Etienne Capoue could make his debut for the Hornets in central midfield. He is likely to be afforded the licence to push on while Valom Behrami protects the back-four. New arrival Jurado will probably be the left attacking midfielder while Layun operates from the other flank.
Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney could continue to lead Watford’s attacks having netted 41 league goals combined last season.
A full strength Everton side should have too much quality against Watford but the Toffees have too many injuries especially in midfield so this is likely going to be a tight affair with the Toffees as favourites.
Score prediction
Everton 1-0 Watford.
