Paul Merson has delivered his prediction for Everton’s Premier League clash with Watford on Monday night, opting for a 2-1 Toffees victory.
Marco Silva welcomes his former side to Goodison Park following the team’s slightly disappointing 1-1 draw with Newcastle United in mid-week.
And Merson is feeling positive about their chances: “People will say Watford were unlucky against Man City the other day, but I didn’t see that,” he wrote on the Sky Sports website. “I thought the best player on the pitch was Ben Foster and if he’s the best player on the pitch I can’t see how they were unlucky.
“Meanwhile, I thought Everton were really good against Liverpool. They looked a decent team but then they can’t put away Newcastle at Goodison Park. However, I am going to back them to win this game. It will be a hard game, but I think Marco Silva will edge a win against his former side,”
OPINION
Monday’s game will certainly be a tough one for Everton. Watford are a very decent team, they’ve shown that this season. They gave City a good run for their money late on in mid-week so they’ll certainly be dangerous opposition at Goodison Park. Ultimately, though, the Toffees should have enough to overcome Silva’s old team. They simply have more talent in key areas of the pitch and, if they are at the top of their game, they should win this one fairly comfortably. Richarlison bagged a goal against Newcastle and if he’s at his best it’s going to be extremely difficult for the Hornets to stop the hosts. The midfield battle will be interesting, here. Watford have some good midfielders in Abdoulaye Doucoure and Roberto Pereyra, while Andre Gomes and Gylfi Sigurdsson will be looking to exert control for Everton. This should be a fascinating contest, but a 2-1 home win sounds about right.