NEIL Warnock's promotion hopefuls will look to start the season in the same vein of form that they found towards the back end of the last campaign.
Back in May, the Eagles fell at the same hurdle as Watford. The Eagles were dark horses for the last promotion spot via the lottery of the play-offs, but fell in extra time as Bristol City made their way to Wembley.
It's been a busy close season at Selhurst Park, highly rated Academy youngster John Bostock, who made his debut against the Hornets back in October, has left to join London neighbours Tottenham.
Palace Chairman Simon Jordan publicly made his feelings known on the decision of the Football League tribunal regarding the transfer fee.
In other comings and goings, consistent striker Clinton Morrison failed to agree a new contract, and has now signed with Chris Coleman at Coventry.
While want-away midfielder Ben Watson will not be considered for action for the time being.
New club captain Shaun Derry has been a regular in pre-season, while new signing Simon Thomas is off the mark for the Eagles after scoring the winner against Truro City - Thomas had a remarkable scoring record at Boreham Wood.
Nick Carle joined the club over the summer from Bristol City and he is expected to make his debut against the Golden Boys.
TEAM NEWS
Matt Lawrence and James Scowcroft are expected to be fit for the south Londoners after successfully coming through a half of their friendly against Leicester City last weekend.
Defender Lawrence is back playing again after a hernia operation, while forward Scowcroft missed the end of last season with a hamstring injury.
The big doubt for the Eagles is midfield man Neil Danns who is struggling to be fit with a groin injury.
HEAD TO HEAD:
Palace lead the way in previous results between the two sides. A narrow 39 wins compared to Watford's 37 wins, with 22 draws.
However, Watford did beat Palace twice last season, first in the league at Selhurst Park, then at Vicarage Road in an F.A Cup third round tie in January.
LAST TIME THE TEAMS MET:
The Eagles came out on top in the last meeting of the teams.
A 2-0 victory summed up Watford's poor end of season form at Vicarage Road as the Eagles picked up form to make the play-offs.
HORNETSBET:
Watford - 3/1
Draw - 12/5
Crystal Palace - 10/11
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