West Ham United are still waiting for their first Championship victory of the season, but Saturday’s trip to Watford offers Nuno Espírito Santo a chance to finally turn promising performances into three points.
The Hammers travel to Vicarage Road for a 3pm BST kick-off after taking just one point from their opening two league matches.
However, Tuesday’s emphatic Carabao Cup victory at Southampton offered a glimpse of what Nuno’s side are capable of.
Watford vs West Ham prediction
Our prediction is:
Watford 1-2 West Ham
Backing a team without a Championship victory may appear risky, particularly against a Watford side still unbeaten in the league.
There are enough encouraging signs to favour West Ham, though.
The Hammers followed their 2-2 opening-day draw at Burnley with a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Charlton Athletic.
Their response was impressive.
West Ham went to Southampton in midweek and produced a 4-1 Carabao Cup victory, with several players pushing themselves into Nuno’s thinking before the Watford game.
That should provide a welcome confidence boost.
West Ham’s Watford record offers more encouragement
History also strongly favours the Hammers.
West Ham have won their last five meetings with Watford, including successive 4-1 victories at Vicarage Road during that sequence.
We looked more closely at West Ham’s remarkable recent record against Watford ahead of Saturday’s game.
Past meetings cannot determine what happens this weekend, particularly with both clubs now competing in the Championship, but West Ham have consistently found ways to hurt Watford.
Nuno needs that trend to continue.
Watford provide a tougher league challenge
Watford’s Championship results have been considerably more encouraging.
The Hornets opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory against Southampton before drawing 1-1 at Wrexham, leaving them with four points from two matches.
Their Carabao Cup performance was far less convincing.
A much-changed Watford side suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Peterborough United, although Saturday’s starting XI should look considerably stronger.
West Ham therefore cannot assume their midweek momentum will simply carry over.
There are also selection decisions for Nuno after the Southampton performance, with our predicted West Ham XI against Watford looking at who could earn an opportunity.
The latest West Ham team news ahead of Watford also leaves Nuno with fitness questions to resolve.
This should be a far tighter contest than Tuesday night’s cup victory.
But with confidence restored, an excellent recent record against Watford and increasing competition for places, West Ham can edge it 2-1 and finally put their first Championship win on the board.
Supporters can find Watford v West Ham TV, kick-off and live coverage information here.
