Venue: Goodison Park
Date: 10/08/2015
Kick-off: 15:00 (BST)
Everton start off their 2015/16 Premier League campaign with a clash against Watford on Saturday and the Toffees will surely be looking to start off their season with a victory in front of their fans.
It was a difficult campaign for Everton last term and everyone associated with the club would have been left bitterly disappointed by the Toffees’ final finish.
However with a new season comes renewed optimism and manager Roberto Martinez will surely now look to guide his side to a more successful campaign this term and with a couple of fine signings as well as no European football to worry about, the Toffees should be able to do well this season.
Everton will kick off their campaign by welcoming Premier League new boys Watford to Goodison Park and the match should be an interesting encounter.
Everton Team News
Everton have not made too many signings this summer but the players that they have brought in are quality. In addition, the Toffees have managed to keep hold of key players such as Kevin Mirallas and James McCarthy.
Heading into the game on Saturday, Martinez does not have too many injury problems to contend with. Tim Howard looks like a certain starter in goal while the defence should constitute of Seamus Coleman, Phil Jagielka and John Stones.
However with Leighton Baines out with an injury, there is a possibility that young Brendan Galloway could be handed a start.
James McCarthy and Gareth Barry look the most likely combination in midfield while new signings Tom Cleverley and Gerard Deulofeu could also be handed starts. It will be interesting to see if Kevin Mirallas and Ross Barkley are included in the starting lineup as well.
Romelu Lukaku has looked sharp in pre-season and the Belgian international should be starting on the day.
Probable Lineups
Everton (Probable XI): Howard; Galloway, Jagielka, Stones, Coleman; Barry, Cleverley; Deulofeu, McCarthy, Barkley; Lukaku
Watford (Probable XI): Gomes; Holebas, Prodl, Cathcart, Nyom; Capoue, Behrami; Layun, Jurado, Anya; Deeney
Form
Everton: W W L L D
Watford: W W L L D
Last Meeting
24/02/2007 Watford 0 – 3 Everton
19/08/2006 Everton 2 – 1 Watford
Prediction
Heading into the game, Everton have to be considered favourites but that said, it is no secret that promoted sides can be prove to be very dangerous.
Watford have gone through a raft of changes this summer and have brought in a lot of quality players as well as a manager in Quique Sanchez Flores.
The match will surely not be an easy one for Everton but given their experience in the Premier League as well as the fact that they are at home, the Toffees should be able to claim a victory on the day.
Everton 2 – 1 Watford
