Watford vs Aston Villa Pre match thread - Saturday, Aug 14th 3pm

[Toronto Villa]

Just like that the new season is upon us. What a summer it’s already been, and more ins and outs to come I imagine before the window closes. We enter the post Jack Grealish era a little worried and a little excited given the players who are now with us and will be soon. It’s hard to know yet if we are better and stronger as a complete unit or less so now that our best player has deserted us. Still we have to push on and I can only look at this new chapter with optimism. So many excellent young players adding to a squad that overall in my opinion will be better, deeper and more ready for what is ahead in our third season back up.

Watford won’t be easy. It never is at a promoted club. But we are strong at the back, and will be a massive threat going forward. With the ball and on the break. So I’ll go for a solid 2-0 win. Goals from Ollie and Buendia.

[cdbearsfan]

Please have some players fit and please win, Villa. No idea what the formation/lineup will be.

Obviously Deeney will score so we need at least two. COYVB.

[edgysatsuma89]

Ings hat-trick. Each ball being burst with each goal due to the power of the twatting they've just received.

[AV82EC]

1-1 draw for me. Promoted teams early enthusiasm blunted by experience, not sure we’ll have the fluency to win it.

[sid1964]

I would also go for a 1-1 draw - it will be a tough game for us especially with the way that Watford play, our centre halves will be in for a tough 90 minutes

[manic-road]

0-2 Ings & Mings

[sickbeggar]

Virtually impossible to call given what's happened this summer. No idea who will play, what the formation will be. I'd settle for a draw.

[Nev]

The first day always throws up a few odd results. Despite our recruitment I'm not sure we're ready, pre-season has been a bit messy, injury doubts abound and I feel that the press will be waiting to jump on a poor result given the absence of their new darling.

2-0.

[ADVILLAFAN]

With our blighted preseason and lots of players potentially unfit or injured, plus them being a newly promoted side, I think they'll win.

[London Villan]

We will be missing at least three key players...

Buendia
Bailey
Luiz

[Monty]

8-1 us, Ings, Mings, Watkings and Buendings with two each.

[Deano's Mullet]

1-1

[Meanwood Villa]

Are we sure Buendia is out?

[ChicagoLion]

I think we are a little undercooked and our pre season has been disrupted somewhat.
Expect a High Tempo performance from Watford.
Do well to get a draw.

[TaxDodger]

On paper whatever XL we put out should be better than Watford man for man. Having said that it's never easy going to newly promoted side on the first day of the season and I think Watford might be the best equipt of the three sides to stay up. I wouldn't grumble at a point.