Albion vs Watford preview

Oscar’s men are now without a win in four league games while the Hornets will climb back into the play-off places should they return to London with all three points.

Team News

Kazenga LuaLua is the latest name on the Seagulls’ absentee list after the winger was ruled out for up to eight weeks with a knee injury.

He joins Liam Bridcutt, Leonardo Ulloa, Andrea Orlandi, Craig Mackail-Smith and Will Hoskins on the sidelines. Kemy Agustien is also unlikely to feature as he continues his recovery from a calf problem.

Gianfranco Zola has no fresh injury worries ahead of the trip to the South Coast.

Form

Just one win in six league games has seen Albion drop to 16th in the table, some nine points adrift of the top six.

Albion last 5: W L D L D

Watford fell to a 3-2 loss at home to Steve McClaren’s Derby side last time out after an impressive 2-1 win away at Huddersfield. The capital club have scored 10 goals in their last five league games.

Watford last 5: W W L W L

Ones to watch

David Lopez (Albion)

The Spaniard has had a sluggish start to the current campaign and is due a strong performance. Arguably the most creative outlet currently available to Oscar, Lopez has made 17 key passes this season and will be key to unlocking the Watford defence.

Troy Deeney (Watford)

After 19 league goals last season Deeney has hit five in 11 games this time out and will be looking to replicate his goal against Albion in this fixture last season.

Statistic

Watford (83.6%) and Albion (81.5%) are the top two in the Championship in terms of pass success.