Match Day Thread WEST HAM v WATFORD

please log in to view this image

WEST HAM v WATFORD

please log in to view this image

London Stadium
Friday 17th July 2020
Kick Off : 2000 BST

please log in to view this image

please log in to view this image

Michail Antonio scored all four goals as West Ham recorded a 4-0 victory away to Norwich City on Saturday, with the result relegating the Canaries and helping David Moyes's side move up the table.
As it stands, the Hammers are 16th in the division, three points clear of 18th-placed Bournemouth, meaning that another positive result in this game would leave them in an excellent position when it comes to avoiding the drop.
There is no getting away from the fact that it has been a disappointing season for the club, but a record of two wins and one draw from their last four matches has given their survival hopes a huge boost.
Moyes's side face a trip to top-four chasing Manchester United in their next game on July 22, before finishing their Premier League campaign at home to fellow strugglers Aston Villa on July 26.
West Ham actually have the third-worst home record in the Premier League this season, but Watford have the third-worst record on their travels, which should make for a very interesting game in the capital.​

please log in to view this image

Like the Hammers, Watford have picked up some very important results in recent matches, winning their last two against Norwich and Newcastle United after three straight losses had left them in real trouble.

Nigel Pearson's side actually fell behind to Newcastle at the weekend, but Troy Deeney scored two penalties in the second half to help the Hornets pick up their eighth league win of the season.


As mentioned, Watford are currently 17th in the table, with a three-point cushion over Bournemouth, who have an incredibly difficult match away to Manchester City on Wednesday night.

There is no downplaying the importance of this game as a win for either would be huge, but Watford have actually lost their last two Premier League games with West Ham, conceding seven times in the process.

That said, the Hertfordshire outfit recorded a 2-0 victory when they last travelled to the London Stadium in December 2018, where Deeney and Gerard Deulofeu were on the scoresheet.

West Ham Premier League form: LLWDLW

Watford Premier League form: DLLLWW​

WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE WORLD - ENJOY THE GAME ​

 

I think a draw would be good for both teams

 

¡¡COYH!!

 

Great match thread. Good luck for this game and those that remain after. Not going to put the kiss of death on you but hope to have big Nigel back at our place next season with your lot.

 

Thanks for that. You can only have big Nigel back at your place next season if he is in the visitors dugout.

 

The Hornets are fortunate to be going into the game with no new injury problems, despite captain Troy Deeney limping away the win against Newcastle with his knee strapped up.

Pearson explained the number nine’s problem is a manageable one and that Deeney is keen to play his part.

“We’ve got a few players that we’ll assess today and tomorrow and go from there, but we’ve generally speaking been okay,” he said. “There’s nothing really new but like I say, it’s more of a check on players today and then tomorrow.

 

Is that a contradiction?

Not serious injuries but a few players carrying knocks?

We cannot really afford to have too many half fit in a game we must not lose!

 

I'll reserve judgement on that until after this evening's Villa match. A draw would probably be a disastrous result for Bournemouth who would be four points behind, having to face an in-form Southampton on Sunday - but if Villa win tonight, that'll put the pressure right back on us and West Ham.

This match is probably too tight to call - if we turn up for the whole match, we could sneak it. But I dread a repeat of the first half performances of the last two matches.

 

Last 4 I think!!!!!!



That is what worries mean - West Ham do seem to play well if they get ahead of steam.

Almost a shame there is no crowd because if we started well the fans would get on their backs.

 

All ready here for the game... A Curry first then we move into the socially distanced lounge! COYH!

 

please log in to view this image

Capoue injured.

 

Cleverley in for the injured Capoue.

 

please log in to view this image

 

That isn't great news.

Not been playing that well but still a key man on form.

 

Academy product Ben Johnson makes just his second Hammers appearance and first since February 2019, replacing Ryan Fredericks at right-back.

Might be worthwhile seeing if he can cope with Welbeck or Sarr.

 

We have lost a vital balancing part of the team in Capoue

 

Fredericks wouldn't be able to, it's a move most fans have been asking for.

 

please log in to view this image

 

As a story, Quina coming on and scoring the winner for us would be priceless.

 

Any streams. BBC said it was supposed to be on Pick TV but it isn't