Hopeful Hornet supporter give views ahead of West Ham clash

As is prematch tradition dictates, we’re getting the opposition’s view heading into West Ham’s trip to the Hornets’ nest in Watford. As shown below, despite injuries and a slow start the Watford faithful are optimistic and positive.

For the opposition’s view, Andy from The Hornets Nest has provided his answers to our pre-match questions as West Ham visit Watford. The two teams have a combined one point this season in four matches played and something surely needs to break for either team to right their ship this early in the season.

1) Watford have yet to collect a point this season with losses to Brighton and Everton in the opening two weeks. Are you confident in the Hornets picking up a point against West Ham?

"If I’m being honest; I have absolutely no idea, I feel like we have to in order to keep some positivity around the place. With Deeney out and the possibility of Doucoure and Pereyra being sidelined I’m excited to see the likes of Welbeck, Quina and new record-signing Sarr potentially be given go to try and shake things up. I would like to think we’d at least get a point against the Hammers."

2) With Troy Deeney out for this match and the next few weeks, who are you tipping to get on the scoresheet for Watford in this match?

"1. Well no pressure, but having made his debut last weekend against Everton I think the responsibility will fall on Welbeck’s shoulders, who will have been chucked in at the deep end. Last season though we did have goals coming from players all over the pitch, so hopefully there won’t be too much pressure on our forwards to fill the sizeable hole Deeney leaves."

3) What is your appraisal of West Ham’s starting XI/first team? Does this team give frighten you at all?

"Looking at the team that started against Brighton I would say it’s a very average side, quite similar to Watford in that respect. I feel like I expect more from West Ham but never seem to get it.I was impressed when Hernandez signed but I don’t think he’s lived up to expectations, I like Wilshere and Lanzini together in the middle of the field but have to say I don’t see/understand the hype around Declan Rice. That said I don’t see West Ham as any better or worse than Watford, I think West Ham fans will look at our side and think the same about some of our players."

4) If you could pick on Hammer from our line up and put them into your starting XI who are you taking and who are you dropping from your own team?

"Tough one, as I’d probably pick Wilshere but don’t want to drop one of Doucoure or Capoue… I think I’d end up dropping Hughes and play with five across the middle."

5) Which team do you think will end the season higher in the table and why?

"Based on both our starts it’s hard to call! I’d like to think Watford could get into their stride and shake off the poor start, but I think both sides will comfortably be in mid-table obscurity come the end of the season. I’ll say Watford, but only just."

6) Score prediction for this match?

"With no Deeney it’ll be a chance for Watford to try something new and unfortunately for you guys West Ham will be on the end of a nervy 2-1 defeat! (Watch us lose 4-1 again now I’ve said that…)"

Well, there you have it, from the Hornet’s mouth no less. Not impressed with Rice? Sees both teams on the same level? Wouldn’t drop anyone from their team for ours? Jack Wilshere our best player? Andy had some seriously unique thoughts on West Ham and one thing is for sure, his love for Watford is as crazy and insane as mine for West Ham.

Catch Andy and his Watford views alongside my West Ham views on Stairway to Seventh, a podcast for the Premier League minus the top-6!