West Brom vs Watford: Baggies aim to extend perfect start against unbeaten Hornets
West Bromwich Albion welcome Watford to The Hawthorns on Saturday, 5 September, in a Championship fixture that pits two of the division's early pacesetters against one another. James Morrison's side have won their opening two league games, while new Hornets head coach Alessio Dionisi remains unbeaten with four points from two matches.
Albion's perfect start has been a sharp contrast to their 2025/26 campaign, in which they finished just four points above the relegation zone. Victories over Norwich City and Burnley have propelled them to second place on goal difference, though they were pushed hard by Middlesbrough before this international break.
Watford have negotiated a testing set of early fixtures, beating Southampton and drawing with both Wrexham and West Ham United. The Hornets travelled to the West Midlands in buoyant mood, knowing a result could keep them among the early frontrunners.
Team News and Injury Latest
West Brom are expected to recall several regulars after making widespread changes for their midweek cup fixture. Max O'Leary is set to return in goal, with Nolan Galves, Nat Phillips and Callum Styles all likely to come back into the back four.
Further forward, Morrison could retain the front pairing of Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Barney Stewart, who started against Middlesbrough. Aune Heggebo, Kareem Tunde and Rabby Nzingoula all featured from the bench at the Riverside and offer attacking alternatives.
Watford will be without at least five players for the trip north. Marc Bola (hamstring) and Jeremy Ngakia (hamstring) remain sidelined, while Kwadwo Baah (thigh), Jack Grieves (knee) and Travis Akomeah (foot) are also unavailable. Akomeah is expected to resume on-pitch training next week.
Omar Traore is available after being replaced during the draw at Wrexham, giving Dionisi a full-back option.
West Brom Form Guide
Two wins from two represents a dream start for a side that spent much of last season looking over its shoulder. West Brom edged past Norwich on the opening weekend and then saw off Burnley, a club with promotion aspirations, to sit second in the fledgling table.