Match Info
- Brighton & Hove Albion v Watford
- Premier League
- Amex Stadium
- Saturday August 21, 5.30pm BST
Officials:
- Referee: Anthony Taylor
- Assistants: Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn
- Fourth official: John Brooks
- VAR: Paul Tierney
- Assistant VAR: Constantine Hatzidakis
Opposition
Entering their fifth successive Premier League season, Brighton & Hove Albion picked up an impressive opening day victory over Burnley, beating the Lancashire side 2-1 after falling behind. Graham Potter’s squad has lost defender Ben White to Arsenal but strengthened in other areas, including the signing of promising midfielder Enock Mwepu from Red Bull Salzburg. The Seagulls will hope to build on a 16th place finish last term and secure survival for another season.
Key Stats
- Both sides are looking to win back-to-back opening league games, a feat Watford last achieved in 2018/19. Brighton last did so in the 2015/16 Championship season.
- The Hornets haven’t lost their opening away fixture since 2014/15.
- The home side has won just three of the last 13 league meetings between Brighton and Watford (D6 L4), including none of the last three matches between the sides since Watford’s 2-0 home win in 2018.
- Brighton and Watford have only met six times in Premier League competition. The Seagulls have won two, Watford have won one, with three draws.
- Emmanuel Dennis and Cucho Hernández are looking to score in their first two Premier League appearances, a feat only previously achieved by Heidar Helguson at Watford.
Team News
Joshua King and Kiko Femenía are available to Head Coach Xisco Muñoz this weekend, whilst Juraj Kucka will be assessed before the game, following a minor injury. Nathaniel Chalobah is still absent due to illness and João Pedro is also unavailable. For full team news, read our full injury update HERE.
Brighton & Hove Albion boss Graham Potter has no new injury worries going into Saturday’s match, but is still without defenders Joel Veltman, Tariq Lamptey and Dan Burn, as well as former Hornet Danny Welbeck.
What Are They Saying?
Xisco Muñoz:
“The atmosphere was lovely [against Aston Villa], it was amazing and they helped us. It’s true we need to prepare for this situation [playing away], we need to know the atmosphere away and we will play with the same character. The team knows the important situations in the game.
“We need to continue with this attitude. The attitude was brilliant and if we play like this we will win more games. We are more comfortable at home because we play with our people and they will help us, but now is the moment to have this mentality and when we play away we need to play with the same passion and ambition to take the points.”
Graham Potter:
“I think Watford have done really well, the coach there has done a fantastic job. He galvanised and got them together. It was fantastic to achieve promotion.
“They’ve got some really talented players and a team spirit. It looks like they’re fighting for each other. They got a deserved win over Aston Villa which is not easy to do so they come with three points as well from the opening day. It’s going to be a tough game.”
Head-To-Head
Overall:
Won 36, Drawn 35, Lost 45
Last Six:
February 2020: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 Watford (Premier League)
August 2019: Watford 0-3 Brighton & Hove Albion (Premier League)
February 2019: Brighton & Hove Albion 0-0 Watford (Premier League)
August 2018: Watford 2-0 Brighton & Hove Albion (Premier League)
December 2017: Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 Watford (Premier League)
Golden Flashback
Watford travelled to the Amex in 2015 in search of three more points on the road to the Premier League. Goals from Troy Deeney and Matěj Vydra sealed the all-important victory, with promotion confirmed later that afternoon.
Supporter Info
If attending the match at the Amex Stadium, please read HERE for important advice and information.
