Watford are again among the pace-setters

Watford may have come off worse last weekend against a rejuvenated Charlton side under Bob Peeters but they dominated most of that game. Oscar Garcia also had to go away to Blackpool in mid-week, where his team squeezed a one-nil away but he suffered some heart discomfort. Sadly, Garcia will not be present at the match against the Cherries, but it appears that he is recovering well and will soon be back at Watford after some rest. His side though are bound to give their all for the manager and AFCB could be on the back end of a goal hungry Watford side who are already third in the table.

It has been built up to be quite a match with the Sky cameras there and the unveiling of the new East stand, but AFCB have to forget all that and concentrate on trying to get three points because we have seen what a rampant Hornet side can do at home last season and we don't want a repeat.

Vicarage Road last season.

Troy Deeney will be a big miss for Watford as he is again showing that he is a striker who can propel Watford right up into the top play-off positions. It is time for Matej Vydra to see what he can do against an AFCB defence that has started to leak goals. Vydra scored against Blackpool but has only scored one in seven games for the Hornets. The creative play of Almen Abdi will also be a threat and in the box it is Gabriele Angella who has a habit of scoring against the Cherries. Lloyd Dyer has mainly been used as a sub this season, but again is a player that can get a goal out of nothing. Fernando Forestieri is likely to face the Cherries again and Gianni Munari is said to be available.

Watford have won all three of their home games this season. They netted three against Bolton on the first day and since then they have scored four against Leeds and Huddersfield, so be under no illusion, this is a tough assignment for Eddie Howe's side. They have to try and take the first points away from the Hornets at home this season.

Containment may be the best strategy against Watford. It is unlikely that Eddie Howe will take that option though and that is what makes this game a big spectacle for the TV cameras. I believe AFCB are a much improved side though from the 6-1 defeat we saw last season, even if Watford are also improved. The key will be who retains possession the best, and if the Cherries can keep Watford out in the first half hour I see the possibility for a tight match.

Update: Watford have changed their mind and said the new East stand will now not be open for the Bournemouth game.


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Breaking News: Polish international goalkeeper, Arthor Buroc is said to be joining AFCB on loan from Southampton.