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Watford are surprisingly slight outsiders for this clash, priced at 2/1 compare to Albion’s 11/8 to win the game. We think the away side will have enough to get past Bruce’s side though, but think they will concede in the process. This is shaping up to be an exciting early-season match-up between two of the divisions’ promotion contenders.
Dennis was Watford’s top scorer last year and there is plenty of speculation surrounding his future with Premier League clubs circling. Although he didn’t get off the mark last time out, he showed he is a cut above Championship level and we are backing him to notch his first of the campaign against the Baggies with his side winning or drawing the game.
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Steve Bruce’s West Brom got off to a decent start against Middlesbrough last Saturday and looked good value for the point in a one-all draw. New signing John Swift was particularly impressive, grabbing a second-half equaliser. The midfielder is seen as a bit of a coup for Albion after he was a standout performer in the Championship last season despite playing in a Reading side that really struggled.
Baggies fans will be hoping for a massive improvement from last year when they looked set for a playoff palace at the least but suffered a huge slump in form which saw them slip all the way down to tenth place. However, Bruce now has a full season to turn things around after being appointed last February and he is a veteran of the Championship, gaining promotion on several occasions. That factor coupled with a strong squad well equipped for the second tier means they are still among the bookies’ favourites to gain promotion this year, priced at 5/2 and 10/11 for a top six finish.
Watford made an even more impressive start to life back in the second tier after seeing off Sheffield United who made the playoffs last season. So far, the Hornets have managed to keep hold of key players like Emmanuel Dennis despite strong Premier League interest and you would think that they are dead certs for a playoff place at a minimum if the situation stays the same between now and the end of the window.
Currently, Rob Edwards’ side are the bookies’ favourite to go up, priced at 5/1 to win the division, 6/4 to gain promotion and 4/7 to finish in the top six. However, this weekend’s game will be another big test for them but ultimately the Hornets will be confident they can overcome all that West Brom has to throw at them.
