West Ham vs Watford: Preview and Prediction

Saturday 22nd December 2018

England Premier League
Saturday 22nd December 2018
Kick off at 3pm GMT
Venue: Olympic Stadium

Match Preview:

Manuel Pellegrini could well be given the next manager of the month award if West Ham can keep up their great form and get their 5^th win in a row when they meet Watford at London Stadium.

Whilst the Hammers are in 9th place, on form they would be in 3^rd position and this is by far their best run this season. Not only are they winning games but scoring goals too, also something they have struggled to do in the past. Pellegrini’s team have scored 11 goals in their four recent wins. With another win it is possible that they could climb one or even two places.

This match will be fascinating given that Watford are a place below but have the same points as their hosts. And one could argue that the teams fortunes have been reversed after the Hornets strong start to the season.

After a dreadful late November and early December the rot seems to have stopped with a draw against Everton and a win over Cardiff and what is encouraging for the club is that they have scored 5 goals in those last two games.

What is discouraging though is that Watford do have a poor away record where they have won just 9 points from 24. Also their last win on the road came against Wolves back in October.

Team News:

West Ham: The Hammers have 8 players out injured with most long term such as Marko Aranutovic and Jack Wilshire. There has been a recent injury to Lucas Perez with his foot troubling him but he will be assessed ahead of the game

Watford: Andre Gray looks set to miss after his leg injury has kept him out of December games. Will Hughes is likely to miss but be back for Boxing Day after his hip injury. Sebastian Prodl should be back very soon but is expected to miss this game with an earlier knee injury

West Ham vs Watford Head to Head:

West Ham won this fixture last season 2-0.

West Ham have only won 2 matches over Watford at home from the last six played.

The last 3 meetings have all been under 2.5 goals.

West Ham vs Watford Prediction:

West Ham being West Ham their good run will end when least expected but at the same time the team seem to have warmed and got better under Pellegrini and what has been most impressive is how the Hammers have reacted in the face of so many key injuries. Watford look back on track but their season may end up being defined by a lack of consistency. We may come unstuck here but it seems churlish not to stick with the form team that are scoring goals, so the home win is our pick, however with the draw covered.

West Ham vs Watford Betting Tips:

Asian handicap (0.0 West Ham) at 1.65

Both teams to score at 1.57

Anytime goalscorer: Michail Antonio at 3.00