West Brom v Watford predictions: Hornets set to sting the Baggies

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for West Bromwich Albion v Watford in the Championship on Monday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Football, Monday 8pm

Best bet

Watford
1pt 11-5 bet365

Team news

West Brom
Okay Yokusulu remains some way off match fitness and is unlikely to feature.

Waford
Imran Louza is out while new signing Mario Gaspar could make his debut.

Match preview

Watford looked sharp on their return to the Championship and the Hornets can retain their sting in their second match under new manager Rob Edwards, a visit to the Hawthorns to take on West Bromwich Albion.

Edwards’ side faced a tough opening fixture against Sheffield United but nullified the Blades successfully while maintaining a persistent threat on the counter attack and they were better value for the win than the 1-0 scoreline suggests.

The front three of Emmanuel Dennis, Joao Pedro and Ismaila Sarr have all been linked with moves away this summer but as long as they remain at the club, Watford's forward options are the best in the division.

Hassane Kamara, who was a standout last season in the Premier League, and Ken Sema were dynamic at wing-back while the back three looked solid.

Central midfield is a possible weak point but Tom Cleverly and Edo Kayembe did a competent job against Sheffield United.

Edwards has been successful in his short managerial career and seems to have imbued his new team with many of the attributes that saw his Forest Green side win League Two last season, playing with intensity and a high press.

West Brom also faced a difficult opening to their campaign, travelling to Middlesbrough.

The Baggies were pegged back after ten minutes but grew into the game as it went on and equalised through John Swift in the second half.

However the home side missed a number of good chances and on another day could have picked up a comfortable win.

Steve Bruce’s tactical plan didn’t appear to have the same clear definition that Edwards’s does with the West Brom boss often relying on moments of individual quality.

New signings Swift and Jed Wallace should provide plenty of those throughout the season but against a well-drilled Watford side with a potent front three that may not be enough.

Bruce has lost more of his 18 games in charge of the Baggies (seven) than he has won (six) and given the clear quality in the squad, that is not enough.

Given they may soon be departing, Watford will want to make the most of their forward options while they still have them and they look overpriced to do that with a victory in the Midlands.

Key stat

Steve Bruce has won just six of his 18 games in charge of West Brom.

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