TEAM NEWS
Everton midfielder Fabian Delph will miss Saturday’s home clash with Watford as he continues to recover from a thigh injury.
Everton will also be without the suspended Morgan Schneiderlin for their first game at Goodison Park this season. The Frenchman is serving a one-game suspension after being sent off for two bookable offences in last weekend’s goalless draw with Crystal Palace.
Andre Gomes was forced off with an ankle injury at Selhurst Park, and his fitness will be assessed ahead of the game.
Watford could include new signing Danny Welbeck in their matchday squad after the forward played a full part in training this week.
Deadline-day arrival Ismaila Sarr may be forced to wait for his debut, however. Boss Javi Gracia said the club-record signing “needs time to be ready”, having linked up with his teammates on Wednesday.
Former Blue Gerard Deulofeu was replaced at half-time in Watford’s opening-day defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion after sustaining a stomach problem but is expected to be fit for Saturday’s game.
PREMIER LEAGUE STATS 2018/19
EVERTON
Position: 8th
Top goalscorers:
1. Gylfi Sigurdsson/Richarlison: 13
2. Dominic Calvert-Lewin: 6
3. Theo Walcott: 5
Most assists:
1. Gylfi Sigurdsson: 6
2. Lucas Digne: 4
3. Bernard/Cenk Tosun: 3
WATFORD
Position: 11th
Top goalscorers:
1. Gerard Deulofeu: 10
2. Troy Deeney: 9
3. Andre Gray: 7
Most assists:
1. Adboulaye Doucoure/Jose Holebas: 6
2. Troy Deeney/Gerard Deulofeu: 5
3. Will Hughes: 4
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KEY STATS, FACTS AND MILESTONES
Everton are unbeaten in their past five outings on 17 August, having won three and drawn two of these contests.
A victory for Everton would be the Blues' fifth in a row at home – the Toffees’ best run since winning seven in a row from January to April 2017.
Everton are also looking for a sixth consecutive home clean sheet. The Club league record is eight straight shutouts, achieved between November 1987 and March 1988
ONE TO WATCH: Will Hughes
Midfielder Hughes joined Watford from boyhood club Derby County for a reported fee of around £8million in the summer of 2017.
The 24-year-old predominantly operates on the right flank but is also capable of playing on the opposite side or in central midfield.
An England Under-21 international, Hughes’ dribbling ability, vision and passing range mark him out as a key creative force for the Hornets.
MAN IN THE MIDDLE: Lee Mason
Premier League games refereed last season: 19
Yellow cards issued: 63
Red cards issued: 1
