Fulham v Watford preview: Slavisa Jokanovic faces former club in live Sky Sports clash

Watch live on Sky Sports Premier League from 11.30am on Saturday

Image: Fulham v Watford: Live on Sky Sports Premier League (11.30am)

Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic will face former club Watford live on Sky Sports Premier League at Saturday lunchtime.

The Serbian took charge of 36 matches in all competitions when manager of Watford between October 2014 and May 2015, and insists he still has positive memories of his time in charge.

He told Sky Sports: "All my memories from Watford are positive. It was a successful time for me and for Watford, too. People showed me a lot of respect, so I must respect the club, the players, the owner, too.

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"The memories are really great. I'm pleased to have had the opportunity to work there but now my connection is here."

Fulham went down 3-0 at Manchester City last weekend as Jokanovic's team continues to find their feet following promotion back to the top flight, while Watford's four-game winning run was ended by Manchester United last Saturday.

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Watford boss Javi Gracia says he agrees with Troy Deeney that Nathaniel Chalobah could be worth £50m in the future

For Watford boss Javi Gracia, the target is a return to winning ways.

He said: "They are a good team, a first season in the Premier League after they were promoted, they have a well-organised team. They know what they have to do and we will try to surprise them.

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"I am confident we are able to get a good result and get the three points."

Team news

Watford's Gerard Deulofeu is still not fit to play and will not make the squad for Saturday's game.

Gracia also said midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah will play some part in the next three matches after recovering from injury, but refused to confirm if he would be used from the start against Fulham.

The Watford boss has fielded the same team in his first five Premier League matches, but declined to say whether he would make any changes following their first defeat.

Premier League Weekend Preview

Midfielder Tom Cairney will still be absent for Fulham after picking up an ankle injury last month.

Fellow midfielder Neeskens Kebano is also unavailable for the game, but defender Tim Ream is back in training after recovering from a problem.

However, Saturday's game will come too soon for him.

Slavisa Jokanovic insists Fulham must give Ryan Sessegnon time to develop

Opta stats

  • Fulham have failed to score in each of their last three league games against Watford (D1 L2).
  • Fulham have kept clean sheets in five of their last seven league contests against Watford at Craven Cottage (W3 D2 L2).
  • Since beating Arsenal 2-1 in January 2017, Watford have lost each of their last eight away Premier League games in London.
  • Fulham have conceded at least twice in each of their last nine Premier League matches.
  • This will be Fulham's 500th match in the Premier League; the 15th team to reach the milestone in the competition.
  • Fulham are looking to win consecutive home Premier League games for the first time since April 2013.
  • Watford captain Troy Deeney has netted four goals in his two league appearances against Fulham, including a hat-trick at Craven Cottage in December 2014.
Take a look at our Pointless quiz with some Fulham stars

Paul Merson's prediction

Watford are doing well, even in their defeat to Manchester United they had a chance at the end. I think Watford will be a bit too cute for Fulham and use their experience to get the result. They've been in the Premier League too long and I see them putting in a wily performance.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2 (10/1 with Sky Bet)

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