WBA v WATFORD Venue: The Hawthorns Monday 8th August 2022 Kick Off: 2000 BST Perhaps the most memorable meeting between these two sides came in March 1996. Albion had recently ended a 14-game winless streak in Division One but they were still in the relegation zone as bottom-of-the-table Watford went to the Hawthorns. On a pitch that had partially been cleared of snow, Bob Taylor opened the scoring with a strike from the edge of the box on 13 minutes before Richard Sneekes made it 2-0 a couple of minutes later after he was put through on goal by Andy Hunt. It was the Dutchman’s debut for the Baggies and the start of a remarkable run of 10 goals in 13 games. The hosts looked to have made the points safe when Taylor grabbed his second when he stabbed home a cross by Shane Nicholson. Watford had other ideas, however, and goals from Craig Ramage and Colin Foster made it 3-2 by half time. Albion restored a two goal lead with just eleven minutes left when Sneekes set up Taylor for his hat-trick, the only one of his Albion career. But such had been the porous nature of the Baggies defence that season, there was still time for Ramage and Foster to both add their second goals to make the final score 4-4. No one expects a similar game this Monday, but many pundits are saying that the Watford front three are enough to frighten many defenders at Championship level. The usual comment is about how long the Horns can field such a line up. West Brom are still bringing new players into their squad, and Bruce is suggesting that a couple of their signings might be fit enough to play. Both Albion and Watford will hold top two aspirations this season, which means victory for either would be a real statement of intent. Our Referee Tim Robinson will be the man in charge when Watford go to West Bromwich Albion on Monday night. His first game of the season was the fiery encounter between Cardiff City and Norwich City, won 1-0 by the Welsh side but in which both teams finished with 10 men.
Ah, West Brom! There was of course the Richarlison header of 2017 - just getting ahead of Gomes (if he wasn't already a legend had Gomes headed the goal himself then that would elevate him to god level) to equalise at the death - and the celebrations that followed! Mental!! Never a dull moment up there, one of my favourite away days. Not in attendance this season, alas.
And the time Gomez saved 2 penalties from Berahino and Watson scored a nice goal from a corner routine. I enjoyed that one. Although one aspect of going there really annoyed me - then. The way to the ground from Smethwick (Galton Bridge) is ok, but the wretched men in blue direct you(forcibly) out of the ground to a place you have never seen, an industrial estate,and in the dark, there is no way of knowing where to go. What is it with the Brummie lot - Molineux can be horrible ( the tunnel) - the police direct you (agin rather insistently) from the station a long wayr ound the town centre , the walk to/from St Andrews is grim ,and the exit when we won the play off semifinal there ( with NO police protection in the carpark) really frightened me.
They were a bit uppity after Gomes double save and after their fortuitous 3-1 win when Maxi was wrongly sent off. Generally I've not had a problem there. Ditto Brum (post play off semi was a bit interesting, mind) and Villa. Big city clubs so they do still have that "element" . Been to dog turds place three times. Never again. Grief every time. Another time I was staying in a hotel in Derby prior to a match against Leicester (my God daughter lives in Derby) and a doggie was staying there before visiting Pride Park: he was a boorish, ignorant, lump too. They are lower than Ltn T. in my book.
Rob Edwards will have Mario Gaspar available for selection after his visa clearance came through. The former Villareal defender joined Watford at the end of last month but had to wait until official paperwork was signed and sealed. That has now happened and he will joins an almost full squad of players who could appear against West Bromwich Albion on Monday.
I have a 2 hour session at the dentist this evening to fit something called a Zirconium bridge and am unlikely to be back before kick off so links to possible streams will be greatly appreciated please.
Same team then - enjoy the game ! I see the boo boys and knives are out already in other forums.. 2nd game in and this one hasn't even kicked off! God knows what the reaction will be if we lose which is possible. Probably be Edwards out (some criticising his selection ...) and shut the club down. (Do agree that not having a 5 million pound striker or 6 million goalkeeper in the squad doesn't look like it's business well done for now though)
Talking about Bayo and the Nigerian keeper but yes he was a good buy. Dennis cost even less and might go for 20 million or so too.
VIPBox West Bromwich Albion vs Watford FC - Video 2 Streaming Online - VIPBox possibly https://www.vipbox.lc/west-bromwich-albion-vs-watford-fc-2-live
