Preview - Watford

The background 

The Hammers will be looking to end their run of Premier League draws, which was extended to four against Leicester on Sunday, when Watford visit the Boleyn Ground on Wednesday.
 
Slaven Bilic’s men last tasted victory against Everton in early March and will be looking to get back into the form that catapulted them into contention for a Champions League spot.
 
The Hornets were themselves without a win in six prior to their away victory against West Brom at the Hawthorns, and Quique Sanchez Flores’ side will be keen to build momentum heading into their Emirates FA Cup semi-final tie against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
 
Watford started the season, unexpectedly, in terrific fashion, and held a top-half spot in the Premier League until February, but their form has tailed off recently, making Wednesday’s clash an intriguing fixture.
 

The history

West Ham and Watford have met on 70 occasions in competitive matches, with the Claret and Blues winning 40. The Hornets have been victorious in 18 of the games, while 12 have been ended all square.
 
The Hertfordshire outfit have been more competitive in the last ten years however, and the Hammers have recorded just one victory against Wednesday’s opponents in the last seven meetings.
 
An Odion Ighalo double secured Watford’s win in the October league fixture, the first game between the two sides since West Ham’s promotion campaign of 2011/12.
 

The match

Team news

West Ham United 

The Hammers have a fully fit squad with Diafra Sakho back from injury and both James Collins and Sam Byram ready to play their part.
 

Watford

Quique Sanchez Flores is expected to make wholesale changes to Watford’s side ahead of their Emirates FA Cup semi-final.
 
Heurelho Gomes is set to keep his place between the sticks but there are sure to be replacements elsewhere on the pitch.
 

Match info

 

• Mike Dean will take charge of the fixture at the Boleyn Ground. He last refereed the Hammers in their 1-0 victory over Sunderland in February. John Brooks and Simon Long will be Dean’s assistants and Mike Jones is the fourth official.
• The sides have met five times in the Premier League in its current form, with both the clubs winning two fixtures each.
• West Ham were unbeaten in 14 matches against Watford for a period of 17 years from 1989 – 2006.
• Slaven Bilic’s team are unbeaten in 14 Premier League home matches. Their last league defeat at the Boleyn was against Bournemouth in August.
• West Ham have scored in each of their last 12 matches. The last time the Hammers drew a blank was against Southampton at St. Mary’s in February.
• Watford have only scored more than twice in two matches this season, against Aston Villa in a 3-2 victory in November, and when Liverpool were thrashed 3-0 just before Christmas.

Ticketing, travel, coverage and other info

 

• Tickets for this fixture are SOLD OUT.
• The District and Hammersmith & City lines are set to serve Upton Park station as normal on Wednesday. Click here for the latest Tube information and here for National Rail.
• The weather is expected to stay dry in east London on Wednesday, with temperatures at 9C (48F) around kick-off.
• If you’re not heading to the game, make sure you keep up to date with the action on our digital channels. The whufc.com Match Centre will have live audio commentary, in-running stats, photos and more, while you can get involved in the conversation on social using #WHUWAT