Saturday 19 August 2017 13:54, UK
Jermain Defoe is in contention to start as Bournemouth look to bounce back from an opening-weekend defeat when they welcome Watford on Saturday.
Defoe made a cameo from the bench in the 1-0 loss to West Brom but came through unscathed and is now set to make his first home appearance in 16 years for the club he rejoined from Sunderland in the summer.
Cherries boss Eddie Howe has admitted he was disappointed with his side's display at The Hawthorns and has challenged his players to up the intensity against a team that struck late to draw with Liverpool.
"There were some positives at West Brom, but not too many," Howe said.
"Watford had a good shape against Liverpool and you could see that Marco Silva has worked with them. They've always had a good front line, with creativity in wide areas.
"We look forward to going up against them again on Saturday. We need to get our tempo and passing moving and if we do that we will have a good chance."
While Defoe has got the green light for the hosts, captain Simon Francis faces a late fitness test following treatment on a hamstring injury.
Midfielder Junior Stanislas continues his recovery from a groin problem, while forward Callum Wilson is still out with a long-term knee injury.
Defender Baily Cargill has joined Fleetwood on loan and winger Max Gradel will spend the rest of the season at Ligue 1 side Toulouse.
Watford have had an attacking boost of their own with captain Troy Deeney back in the frame.
The striker missed the season opener following groin surgery but is now back in training and is likely to be contesting with club-record signing Andre Gray for a place in Marco Silva's attack.
Younes Kaboul, Daryl Janmaat and Roberto Pereyra all suffered muscular injuries in the draw against Liverpool and will miss out, while Craig Cathcart and Mauro Zarate (both knee) are also absent.
Bournemouth are unbeaten in their last seven matches against Watford, although six have ended level, including all four meetings in the Premier League.
The Hornets ended the 2016-17 Premier League campaign by losing their last seven away games. They last went on a longer run in May 2000 (10 away PL defeats in a row).
All four meetings between Bournemouth and Watford in the Premier League have ended all square - no Premier League fixture has seen a draw in each of its first five matches.
No current Premier League side (exc. promoted teams) has kept fewer clean sheets in 2017 than Watford and Bournemouth (4 - also level with WBA).
Troy Deeney has been directly involved in six goals in seven league appearances against Bournemouth for Watford (five goals, one assist).
Bournemouth's Josh King scored in both 2-2 draws between the two sides last season, while team-mate Benik Afobe has found the net three times in his last five league apps against Watford and for three different sides.
I thought Bournemouth were disappointing at West Brom, they had a lot of the play but didn't really have many chances. Watford should feel confident after scoring three against Liverpool but I still think they are going to be relegated this season.
Jermain Defoe has to start for Bournemouth. What was the point of going there if he's not going to play? Bournemouth play two up front, have a good go most matches and he should get lots of chances. I thought it was a perfect move for him and I'd like to see him up front with Josh King.
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-1 (12/1 with Sky Bet)
Bournemouth are Sky Bet's 10/11 favourites for the victory with Watford priced at 11/4 while the draw is 13/5. Jermain Defoe head the first goalscorer betting at 9/2, closely followed by Josh King and Benik Afobe at 5/1 apiece, while Andre Gray, Stefano Okaka and Troy Deeney are inseparable on the Hornets' side of the market at 7/1.