please log in to view this image WATFORD v WEST HAM please log in to view this image Saturday August 24th 2019 Vicarage Road Stadium Kick Off 1500 BST please log in to view this image The big news coming out of the club today is that the skipper has needed knee surgery and will be unavailable for several weeks. Both teams are going through a period of poor form, although West Ham did pick up a point against Brighton in their last game. Javi Gracia was not too disheartened after the teams display against Everton, but really needs to make the tweaks and maybe changes to the formation to get out of the current run of losses. Goal scoring is one of the problems and without Deeney a rethink is required. Welbeck came on as a substitute last week, and looked rusty, not surprising after the length of time since he had played. Our new signing Ismaila Sarr has been training with the team this week, but will probably only make the bench. It is good for him to have experienced French speaking players to help him settle in, and he has really impressed Etienne Capoue, who said about Sarr, “He’s a guy without fear. He’s always trying to go forward and these are things we absolutely need. He’s the type of guy that can make a difference." I just hope that as he and Welbeck settle into the club the fans do not expect too much too soon. Team News Both sides are unable to say at present what the teams will look like, so nothing to report as yet. please log in to view this image Watford will be hoping the outcome is very different on Saturday after Chris Kavanagh was appointed to take charge of their home fixture against West Ham United for the second season running. The Lancashire official was in charge of the Hornets’ final league game of last season when Javi Gracia’s men slumped to a 4-1 defeat after Kavanagh had sent off Jose Holebas, seemingly ruling the defender out of the FA Cup final. The full-back was dismissed after the referee ruled he had pulled back Michail Antonio when the Hammers forward was through on goal early in the second half, but Watford successfully appealed the red card and Holebas did play against Manchester City at Wembley. The Video Assistant Referee is scheduled to be top Australian official Jarred Gillett. The FIFA referee has come to England to study at university in Liverpool and it was announced in January that he would join the Select Group 2 list at the start of this season. These officials mainly cover Championship games but they can also work at Premier League matches to help their development. Crucially, the 32-year-old is also regarded as a leading VAR, having used the technology since it was introduced in the Australian A-League in 2017. WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE WORLD - ENJOY THE GAME
Might be a few fringe players hoping to take their chance . Cleverley, Quina in midfield? Gray and GD up front ?
Watford Captain Troy Deeney has admitted he was playing trying to "be a hero" by playing with an injury to his knee. On Thursday afternoon, head coach Javi Gracia said the skipper would be unavailable for at least two months after undergoing knee surgery, before Deeney himself admitted via social media he had tried to play through the pain barrier for the last few weeks. In a post on his Instagram account, Deeney said: "So after 3/4 weeks of trying to be the hero and play with discomfort and pain like a tit we decided to sort the issues out one and for all. Thanks for the messages now it’s time to rest up, and mentally prepare myself to get back to help the squad."
Why TD9 didn't get it sorted out preseason god knows. Like he said he is a tit. On to West Ham, I am not sure what to expect. Apart from the fact that our run of form is disgusting, so the injuries should force Javi to make some changes. He doesn't seem to be very felixible and others must be given a chance now. If Watford have splashed so much on Sarr he has to get some game time soon. If we lose to West Ham I am going to start to worry a bit. Cheers for the thread OFH. COYH!!
Looking forward to this. I've always felt this is a bit of a rivalry, for some reason. I don't know if that's because we came off undeserved losers against them once years ago, I can't remember, but it means a lot to me that we beat the Hammers. I know nice lad who's a Hammers fan, and one total dipstick who thinks he's a bit of an Eastend hardman. Bellend. But Mrs Andy, me and the boys are going and will be cheering hard. If I get a chance, I'll post at h/t and f/t. I hope Welbeck gets a run out.
In position. Don't fancy this with Gray up front. Hope I have to eat my words. Also been very worried by Fermenia in the first two matches. I think they will target him.
A very entertain game at Carrow Road. Norwich look fine at this level although losing by the odd goal in five.
probably our strongest attacking line-up, but any side with Masuaku AND Ogbonna in it has a minute chance of keeping a clean sheet.
Hello from the Leeds -Edinburgh Train. I wonder if I could get a stream? Funny lineup, enjoy the game all.
Early pen to WHU scored. GD missing two chances. I can hear Garcia's post match comments already, as I have heard em from the last 10 games or so.
I don't know why PL teams don't just target our left every game. Ogbonna isn't PL quality, and Masuaku isn't a LB.