The Baggies return to The Hawthorns for the second time in four days on Saturday, with James Morrison’s men hosting Watford.
Last time out, the Baggies were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Charlton Athletic, with the Addicks making a flying start to life in the Championship.
Next up is Watford, who have picked up five points from their opening four games and will arrive at The Hawthorns looking to build on their start to the campaign.
With home advantage and three points up for grabs, James Morrison’s side will be hoping to put their recent run behind them and return to winning ways. Can the Baggies get back to winning ways and claim all three points on Saturday afternoon?
Player To Watch – Watford
Iker Bravo is the Watford player Baggies will need to keep a close eye on at The Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon. The Spanish forward made the move to Vicarage Road this summer after spending the second half of last season on loan at Las Palmas, and he has quickly established himself as an important figure in Watford’s attack.
Bravo has started all four of Watford’s Championship fixtures so far, scoring once and registering an impressive average FotMob rating of 7.46. His performances have made him Watford’s highest-rated player in the league this season, highlighting the impact he has already made since arriving in England.
The 21-year-old has also shown plenty of attacking intent, recording 11 shots and 14 successful dribbles in his opening four league appearances. His ability to carry the ball and create opportunities for himself could cause problems for the Baggies’ defence, particularly if he is given space to turn and run at the back line.
With one goal already to his name and confidence seemingly high, Bravo will be hoping to add to his tally against Albion. Can the Baggies keep Watford’s dangerman quiet and prevent him from making another decisive contribution?
Player To Watch – West Brom
Callum Styles is the man to watch for the Baggies when Watford visit The Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon.
Styles comes into the fixture full of confidence after producing a moment of real quality in Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw with Charlton Athletic, finding the top corner with a superb half-volley to give Albion the lead.
The Hungarian international has been a consistent presence for James Morrison’s side this season, starting each of Albion’s opening Championship fixtures. His energy, versatility and ability to contribute in the final third make him an important part of the Baggies’ approach.
With Watford looking to bounce back from their midweek defeat to Swansea, Styles could once again prove crucial for Albion. Can he follow up his goal against Charlton with another influential performance and help the Baggies secure all three points?
Line Up V Watford
A few changes from Wednesday’s night game I put in new signing Brayann Pereira to make his first start and debut and Toby Collyer and Rabby Nzingoula to make their first starts for the club, I switch back to a 442 formation and have Jimmy-Jay Morgan retain his place with Aune Heggebo making a start.
Prediction V Watford
Last time out I predicted we run away 2-1 winners over Charlton Athletic but we came away with a draw. Anyways I only got one score correct this season with the Baggies beating Burnley 3-1.
My Predictions this season
Rotherham 2-4 West Brom (1-4)
Norwich 2-2 West Brom (1-2)
West Brom 3-1 Burnley (3-1)
Newcastle 1-1 West Brom* (3-2)
Middlesbrough 3-3 West Brom (3-1)
West Brom 2-1 Charlton (1-1)
Anyways if the predictions all came true we would be sitting one point higher on 8 points in 4th place just above Wolves and still be in the Carabao Cup third round where we could of faced Millwall in the next round. Lets see how I fare against Watford.
I think the first half would be the same as we played against Charlton, taking a few passes and not really laying it off, I see Watford trying to attack but Max O’Leary would save it and it be half-time at 0-0.
Second half, the Baggies would give it a real good go like they did against Charlton we see Isaac Price trying his luck that would hit the post for then Jimmy-Jay Morgan to have an attempt and his efforts would be on target giving his side a lift and put the scoreline at 1-0. Watford would have clear cut chances but would be off target they would do the same as Charlton did to us but wouldn’t find the target, the Baggies would then hold on to give us only a Jimmy-Jay Morgan goal that be our third win of the season.
Prediction: West Brom 1-0 Watford
Goalscorers for West Brom: Jimmy-Jay Morgan
A narrow 1-0 win I’m going for and I would take it by full time on Saturday, I feel it be the same as on Wednesday night and not having enough chances, I cannot see Watford pulling any chances and they would be off target if Charlton would do the same, I say a goal would come in the second half and we would hold on to it to give us three points before we then travel to Derby on Wednesday night.