Javi Garcia has guided Watford to an impressive start (photo credit: Action Images).
By Conor Dunford
The Premier League suprise packages meet this weekend as Watford host Bournemouth, with both teams hoping to keep up the heat on the top six.
Watford started the campaign in blistering form, but have since tailed off. While they did beat Tottenham, their form is just one win in the last five games. The Hornets have endured a tough run of fixtures, playing Spurs twice, along with games against Arsenal & Manchester United causing their early table-topping form to slide.
Meanwhile Bournemouth have three wins in the last five, the only blemishes on their recent form being a loss at Chelsea and a 4-0 hammering by Burnley.
Eddie Howe’s men have recovered well from that minor setback, sticking to their philosophy and reaping the rewards. The Cherries have been playing some of the best football in the league and look ready to solidify their status as the number one team on the south coast.
Three of the last five meetings between these sides have ended 2-2. Goals have not been an issue for Watford this season, failing to score for the first time this season in their 2-0 loss to Arsenal. Both Roberto Pereyra and Andre Gray have found thier shooting boots this season, scoring three goals apiece in the Premier League.
Bournemouth also have an eye for goal this campaign, scoring 12 goals in seven Premier League games, most notably Scottish winger Ryan Fraser contributing three already this term.
The home side have a fantastic record in the fixture, losing just once in the last 14 meetings. In fact Bournemouth last left Vicarage Road victorious back in March 1997, when Cherries manager Eddie Howe was on the playing staff.
Watford forward and captain Troy Deeney has scored four goals in the last four league games against Bournemouth. Such productivity is sure to command the attention of the Bournemouth defence. Watford will also have their hands full defensively. Fraser has contributed three goals and two assists in this young season. The Scot is a mainstay for Howe.
With the visiting side failing to keep a clean sheet in their last nine away games and a poor record at Vicarage Road, Watford should run out of this game with a narrow victory.
Prediction – Watford 2-1 Bournemouth
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