West Ham vs Watford Prediction & Betting Tips - Premier League

Prediction published on 14/07/2020, 05:34  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 16/07/2020 at 15:42 in Premier League Prediction

This is a vital match down at the bottom of the English Premier League. 16th placed West Ham host Watford who are 17th and only behind their opponents on goal difference. Both sides ended the weekend three points clear of the relegation zone but would have hoped the gap would be wider. West Ham won 4-0 at Norwich on Saturday (relegating their opponents), while Watford came from behind to beat Newcastle United at home. Those wins created a six-point gap but then Sunday saw both Bournemouth and Aston Villa get crucial victories. Results on Wednesday and Thursday went well for these two sides with Bournemouth losing and Aston Villa drawing. That leaves both sides three points clear of the relegation zone with superior goal differences. A win for either side will leave the winners all but safe. Even a draw wouldn't be a bad result for them.

West Ham had Michail Antonio to thank for their weekend win as he scored all four of their goals. That's six in the last four games for him and he'll be hoping for more in the final three fixtures. The Hammers will hope that by the time this game kicks off,  Villa will have lost at Everton and Bournemouth at Manchester City. More points earned by them would put additional pressure on West Ham and Watford. West Ham have only won five home league games this season but two of those have come in the last four. They will want to keep that run going as well as a good scoring record that has seen them score three goals in a game, three times in their last five home league fixtures.

Watford would be in even deeper trouble but for their home form. Wins at Vicarage Road over Norwich City and Newcastle United have taken them three points clear of Bournemouth and four ahead of Aston Villa. Goal difference could well be important in deciding who stays up and who goes down. Watford have a better goal difference at present but some heavy defeats in their final games could well change that. After this game, they host Manchester City and travel to Arsenal, so the possibility of that goal difference getting a lot worse is there. Watford have a terrible away record with only two wins and ten points on the road from 17 games. They have failed to score in their last four away league games, conceding eight in the process. If the teams below them continue to get wins, Watford with their tough run-in could yet be relegated. Go for a home win in this match.