BBC pundit predicts how David Moyes will fare in his first West Ham game against Watford

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West Ham United travel to take on Watford this afternoon.

Pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks David Moyes will claim a 1-1 draw at Watford in his first game as West Ham United boss.

The Hammers moved to appoint Moyes just 24 hours after sacking Slaven Bilic over the international break, with the 4-1 home defeat to Liverpool proving to be Bilic’s final game in charge.

Moyes’ arrival as manager hasn’t exactly gone down well with Hammers fans, but they will be hoping for the best when their side travels to Hertfordshire this afternoon.

West Ham need results quickly after just two league wins this season, but they face a tricky trip to Vicarage Road to take on Marco Silva’s Watford side.

The Hornets have impressed so far this season, but three defeats in a row – against Chelsea, Stoke City and Everton – have been a concern.

Add in that manager Silva has been the subject of a failed bid from Premier League rivals Everton, and the Hornets really need a positive result today in order to get back on track.

Ahead of the game, pundit Mark Lawrenson has offered his prediction for the game, telling BBC Sport that he thinks the two sides will play out a 1-1 draw.

Lawrenson believes that he is expecting a reaction from West Ham given that they have a new manager, and thinks Moyes will avoid defeat if he gets a committed display, especially as Watford haven’t impressed at home of late.

“I am at this game for Match of the Day 2 on Sunday and it will be very interesting to see how David Moyes approaches his first game as West Ham boss,” said Moyes. “I am expecting to see a reaction from the Hammers because as a player you always want to impress a new manager and, although West Ham are in the bottom three, there is a lot of quality in their team.”

“Watford have won only one of their five home league games this season, against Arsenal, so Vicarage Road is not exactly a fortress. Moyes will be expecting a committed performance and, if he gets one, I don’t think West Ham will leave empty-handed,” he added.