West Brom vs. Watford Tips: Goals and card plays at the Hawthorns

Gameweek two in the Championship concludes at the Hawthorns as West Brom host fellow promotion hopefuls Watford.

Given the embarrassment of riches at the disposal of both clubs, automatic promotion will be the aim of both Steve Bruce and Rob Edwards with the play-offs surely the minimum.

The hosts came from behind to secure a valuable point against Middlesbrough in their season opener. Steve Bruce could shuffle his deck here as both Alex Mowatt and Daryl Dike impressed from the bench. The latter would come in for Karlan Grant, who had little impact on the proceedings in North Yorkshire.

Edwards stint in the hotseat at Vicarage Road got off to the perfect start as his side edged past Sheffield United, those three points could be crucial in ensuring he remains in the dugout for the remainder of the year.

Speculation continues to swirl around the future of Emmanual Dennis and Ismaila Sarr but with the pair still currently under contract at Watford they will make up two thirds of a scintillating front three. They will flank Joao Pedro, the Brazilian- capped off his man of the match display last Monday with a goal- will come into this clash brimming with confidence.

With the wealth of attacking options both sides have, goals could be rife in this clash between two of the league's big hitters. At a shade under even money, backing both teams to find the net on Monday certainly appeals.

Steve Bruce’s business over the summer was shrewd, securing the signatures of two of the most creative players in the division in Jed Wallace and John Swift, both of which were free agents. Between them, last campaign, the pair racked up a staggering 42 goal contributions with Swift notching up the second most assists in the division and Wallace the third most. The pair combined at the Riverside with Swift slotting home the equaliser on opening day.

After impressing off the bench against Middlesbrough, Bruce could hand a start to Dike. The American’s tenure at the Hawthorns has been disrupted by injury but his pedigree is indisputable. Dike scored ten goals in the MLS for Orlando City last season and hit nine for Barnsley in the 20/21 campaign.  

The visitors also have their fair share of attacking talent. Edwards opted for a front three of Dennis, Joao Pedro and Sarr and if the Hornets can keep hold of those three, there is no doubt they will be in contention for the automatics.

Tim Robinson has the whistle for this one. He dished out four yellows and two red cards on game week one in Cardiff’s victory over Norwich. This meant that he has brandished 21 yellows, three reds cards and awarded a penalty during his last three Championship Games. This, combined with the fact that this is an evening match and Sky Sports main event, certainly makes the card market worth delving into here.

Darnell Furlong is a player that looks primed for a booking. The right back picked up 11 cards last season taking his domestic total to just a few shy of half a century in 202 starts. He will likely be tasked with containing the mercurial Dennis. The Nigerian forward gave Sheffield United’s Ciaran Clark a torrid time in the Hornets fixture last week.

Another man that could have his work cut out on Monday evening is Francisco Sierralta, the visitors defender already has a card to his name this season. Last time he was playing at this level, he picked up eight cards in 24 starts.

Best of luck if you are backing any of these selections and please remember to gamble responsibly.