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Attendance: 39,066

Premier League | Gameweek 2

Aug 17, 2019 at 3pm UK

Everton
1-0
Watford

Bernard (10')

FT(HT: 1-0)

Preview: Everton vs. Watford - prediction, team news, lineups

By Paul Harper | 16 August 2019

Sports Mole previews Saturday's Premier League game between Everton and Watford, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Everton will be looking to get off to a winning start in front of their home fans as they take on Watford at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Toffees will be aiming to build on a 0-0 draw away at Crystal Palace last week and boss Marco Silva will see the visit of his former club as a good opportunity to collect maximum points.

Match preview

Everton manager Marco Silva watches the action on April 27, 2019 © Reuters

In his second season in charge at Goodison Park, Silva will hope to exceed the eighth position finish of last term this time around.

The Portuguese boss was given funds to strengthen his squad in the summer, and with the likes of Alex Iwobi coming in from Arsenal and Moise Kean arriving from Juventus, Silva has made some shrewd acquisitions.

A goalless draw at Selhurst Park last time out gives The Blues a good base from which to build, but it is a lack of goals which will be their main concern, having failed to find the back of the net regularly during pre-season.

Silva will be hoping that the arrival of Kean will aid Everton's potency in front of goal, with the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson and former Watford forward Richarlison also required to chip in with their fair share of goals.

Everton will be buoyed by their record at Goodison Park against Watford as they go into this weekend's clash unbeaten in their last 13 home encounters against The Hornets.

Javi Gracia in charge of Watford on February 2, 2019 © Reuters

As for the visitors, Javi Gracia will be looking for a positive reaction following their 3-0 home defeat to Brighton last weekend.

After some encouraging results in pre-season, including victories over Bayer Leverkusen and Real Sociedad, Watford got off to the worst possible start to the league campaign last weekend.

The Hornets can take inspiration from their results against Everton at Vicarage Road, where they have won their last three meetings in the Premier League.

Attacker Gerard Deulofeu is a key player for Gracia's side and he will be looking to impress against one of his former clubs.

Everton form: D

Watford form: L

Team News

Fabian Delph in action for Manchester City on January 2, 2018 © Reuters

Fabian Delph could be in line for his Everton debut after his summer arrival from Manchester City. The 29-year-old has returned to training following a hip injury.

Silva will assess the fitness of midfielder Andre Gomes ahead of the game after the former Barcelona man was withdrawn at half time last weekend with an ankle injury.

After his sending off against Crystal Palace last week, Morgan Schneiderlin will miss the game through suspension.

The Hornets may be able to call upon forward Adalberto Penaranda, who has recovered from a thigh problem.

Summer signings Ismaila Sarr and Danny Welbeck are unlikely to be involved as they continue to build their fitness having arrived at Vicarage Road just last week.

Everton possible starting lineup: Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Mina, Digne; Gomes, Gbamin, Sigurdsson; Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin, Bernard

Watford possible starting lineup: Foster; Kiko, Dawson, Cathcart, Holebas; Doucoure, Hughes, Capoue; Deulofeu, Deeney, Gray

We say: Everton 1-0 Watford

With Everton's lack of goals, it is likely to be a tight and low-scoring affair. But in front of their home fans for the first time this season, The Toffees should have enough to edge it by the odd goal.