So to the second match prediction thread of this exciting new season. This thread will be sticky right up until kick off so remember to scroll down for new articles. Another reminder that this game kicks off 4:45am Australian East Coast time.

Our Opponents:

Watford like us have come up through the playoff system and will be eager to emulate our success this season. However they will have a tough job on their hands as they have not been nearly as convincing in the transfer market as Pardew was last summer. That is not to say that they don’t have players capable of holding their own, or the desire to compete at this level. Marlon King scored 17 goals last season during Watford’s promotion campaign and will be striving to make the step up with similar ease to another Marlon, our very own Harewood, who took our promotion in his stride last year. Aidy Bothroyd’s men came pretty close to getting their first points at Everton on Saturday and were only denied by a dubious penalty. This will only fire them up and encourage them to succeed in their quest for points in their first home game of the season.


Player to Watch: Marlon King

West Ham:

Deano? Who’s Deano? With our supposed 3rd and 4th choice strikers both getting off the mark in Saturday’s clash with Charton, you could be forgiven for thinking we now have the strength in depth up front only usually afforded by the so called big clubs of the league. This sets up a perfect scenario for Marlon Harewood who will now be under intense pressure to get off the mark and hold on to his starters jersey. Carton Cole scored a stunning goal after being on the field just 20 seconds against Charlton and will be keen to snatch someone’s shirt off their back should they not perform. However if anybody thrives under pressure and reacts positively it is Marlon Harewood. I expect him to come out guns blazing against Watford and ensure another valuable 3 points return to E13. My Man of the Match for Saturday Lee Bowyer will also be keen to show he is not a one match wonder and give Pardew a selection headache once Matty Etherington returns to match fitness. With the second half display by Paintsil I expect just one change to the line up in a straight swap for Mears.


Predicted Hammers Team: Carroll, Konch, Gabbs, Anton, Paintsil, Bowyer, Mullins, Reo-Coker, Yossi, Zamora, Harewood.

Player to Watch: Marlon Harewood

Prediction: 3-2 to the cockney boys!