Watford (A) | Match Preview
The Game
Watford v Argyle. Vicarage Road. Saturday, 12 August. 3pm. Sky Bet Championship.
The Opposition
Watford began their season with a 4-0 victory at home to Queens Park Rangers, last Saturday. All four goals - from Tom Dele-Bashiru, Imran Louza, Mateus Martins and Vakoun Issouf Bayo - came before half-time in a dominant performance for the Hornets.
On Tuesday night, Watford exited the Carabao Cup, losing to Stevenage in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw. The Watford team that started the Stevenage game featured ten of the eleven starters from the QPR fixture, with only the goalkeeper changing.
Watford came 11th in the Championship last season, which was their first in the second tier following relegation from the Premier League the previous year.
The Squad
Watford have brought in several experienced players during the summer. Midfielder Jake Livermore has signed, having been released by West Bromwich Albion. Livermore has seven England caps to his name, and has also played for Tottenham Hotspur and Hull City. He is now 33.
Attacker Tom Ince, 31, is another summer acquisition, having signed from relegated Reading. Ince, the son of former England international Paul, has played for Derby County, Stoke City and Blackpool, among others.
Last season's top goalscorers, Ishmaila Sarr and Joao Pedro, have both left the club, signing for Marseilles and Brighton respectively.
The Gaffer
Valerien Ismael was taking charge of his first Watford game when they faced QPR last Saturday. The 47-year-old former central defender had a distinguished career, representing the likes of Lens, Crystal Palace, Werder Bremen and Bayern Munich.
He has managed in several countries - in Germany, Greece, Austria and, most recently, Turkey, with Besiktas. In England, he has had stints in charge of Barnsley and West Bromwich Albion.
Including caretakers, Watford have had 25 managers since November 2008.
Fancy a Stat?
Tom Dele-Bashiru scored after 34 seconds against QPR on Saturday. The fastest goal in the Championship in all of 2022/23 was 33 seconds.
The History
The last time Argyle and Watford met was in 2009/10, the last season in which Argyle played in the Championship. Watford won both contests that season, 1-0.
This game will be the 92nd meeting of the sides. Perhaps the most famous is the 1984 FA Cup Semi-final at Villa Park, which Watford also won 1-0.
Also they lost on their last visit, Argyle won the previous two trips to Vicarage Road. Karl Duguid and Luke Summerfield were on target when the Greens won 2-1 in September 2008. The season prior, Argyle left with a 1-0 win, thanks to a late goal by David Norris.
Tickets
Argyle have sold out the away end at Vicarage Road. For an update on collecting tickets or ordering duplicates, read this.
Argyle TV
Argyle TV’s pre-match show, hosted by Charlie Price and Aaron Cusack, will begin at 2pm, and is available to watch for free on YouTube.
Because of supporter illness, commentary for the day will be provided by BBC Radio Devon. Domestic supporters can listen to audio commentary on Argyle TV, while international supporters can buy a match pass to watch the game, here.
