PREMIER LEAGUE expert Adam Goodwin (@AGJournalism) unpicks the Super Sunday clash as Watford host Crystal Palace.
Watford v Crystal Palace | Sunday 26th August 2018, 13:30 | Sky Sports
Watford are aiming to win their opening three top-flight league games of a season for the first time on Sunday. They have already beaten Brighton and Burnley so far this season and Javi Gracia will be delighted with his sides’ start. Troy Deeney and Andre Gray have started the season up-front together and it looks to be a fruitful partnership, with both of them finding the back of the net last weekend.
Watford look strong
You’d imagine the Gray and Deeney partnership will continue, with Roberto Pereyra – who scored two on the opening day – sitting just behind them. Watford have had an astonishing 28 shots in their first two games, scoring five goals in the process, and I can see more goals for the Hornets this weekend.
They’ve also lost just once at Vicarage Road in the Premier League in 2018 (their only defeat coming against Burnley) and have avoided defeat against the likes of Everton, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea at home within the last 12 months.
Electric Eagles
Despite losing 1-0 against Liverpool on Monday, Roy Hodgson’s side should be praised for the performance his side put in against the Reds. Aaron Wan-Bissaka was sent off in the game but was one of the standout performers for the Eagles. Wilfried Zaha looked lively as usual but Christian Benteke failed to make an impact – something we’re starting to get used to now. Alexander Sorloth replaced the Belgian on Monday night, so perhaps he might get the nod alongside Zaha up-top.
In his pre-match press-conference, Hodgson said: “We have threats of our own and I am sure it will be a competitive, hard-fought one, with an element of a derby about it. Both sets of fans will be desperate to see them win.” This will certainly rile up his players and the Watford players, giving this game an interesting edge. You can back both teams to receive 20+ booking points which has landed for both teams in both their games so far.
The betting
I like the look of goals in this one, with an average of 2.5 goals in these sides’ combined games so far. With Watford’s striking duo looking pretty hot and Wilfired Zaha one goal away from becoming the Eagles' all-time record Premier League goalscorer, neither team is short of goals. I’d like to get Watford on-side with their brilliant home record too. So, you can back Watford to win or draw and over 1.5 goals at 48/25 with 188BET.
I also fancy both teams to receive 20+ booking points. Along with the reasons I gave earlier, there’s been an average of five cards per game in the last three meetings between these sides. Also, Anthony Taylor’s the referee for this one and he averaged over 3.5 cards per game last season too. This is 13/8 with Sky Bet.
Best Bets
Watford v Crystal Palace – Watford double chance & over 1.5 goals (48/25 188Bet)
Watford v Crystal Palace – Each team to receive 20+ booking points (13/8 Sky Bet)
