Everton v Watford predicted lineups and match preview

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Everton face a tough opening and it’s vital they get off to a good start against Watford – who will be looking to put down an early Premier League marker.

To be played on Saturday 8th August 2015 at 15:00. Venue: Goodison Park, Liverpool

Odds: Everton 8/11, Draw 29/10, Watford 9/2

The fixture list has not been the kindest to Roberto Martinez. Immediately after this opener against Watford, they face a succession of games against sides with ambitions of European qualification – making this a must-win contest on the opening day for his side.

After last season’s disappointment, which saw them finish in the bottom half of the table, Everton will be eager to get off to a good start and try to recapture the form of the 2013/14 season, which yielded a record points total in the Premier League era.

For Watford, there have been so many changes throughout the summer, and as a result it’s difficult to know what to expect from them, in terms of how they will set up and how they will perform.

Like any newly promoted side, their home form will be where they expect to get the lion’s share of their points, but anything they can take on the road, especially early on, will give them tremendous confidence.

In terms of injuries, Martinez has a headache when it comes to his forward line, saying that Romelu Lukaku is a doubt – meaning Arouna Kone could be given the opportunity to lead the line. The key duo of John Stones and Kevin Mirallas are expected to be fit, however.

Watford have a couple of absentees from their squad, with Miguel Britos and Almen Abdi sidelined, while Joel Ekstrand continues his recovery from an ACL injury.