West Brom v Watford LIVE: Promotion rivals clash under the lights at Hawthorns

The Baggies managed to salvage a 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough last weekend, while the Hornets beat Sheffield United 1-0 at Vicarage Road.

Steve Bruce's side have made some clever additions in the transfer market and he will hope they can win tonight.

Meanwhile, Watford have managed to keep hold of their prize assets in Ismaila Sarr and Emmanuel Dennis, meaning they will be a match for any side in the Championship this year.

Both sides should be aiming for a spot in the play-offs at a minimum this year, so this could be a good indicator of who will be the main challengers.

West Brom v Watford: talkSPORT coverage

This Championship clash will take place on Monday, August 8.

Kick-off at the Hawthorns is scheduled for 8pm.

Commentary will be provided by Joe Shennan and former Wolves forward Chris Iwelumo.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream. You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

West Brom v Watford: Team news

The hosts could hand a second debut to Okay Yokuslu after he made remarkable progress in training.

The Turkish international is back with the Baggies after joining on a free from Celta Vigo.

Yokusu was initially with West Brom during the second half of the 2020/21 campaign.

Daryl Dike impressed off the bench on Saturday, but it is unclear if Albion are willing to risk him from the start.

Kean Bryan is the only long-term injury, with Callum Robinson back in contention for the hosts.

Meanwhile, Watford could give Mario Gaspar a debut after the experienced Spaniard joined from Villarreal.

Vakoun Issouf Bayo was an unused substitute last week, so will be itching to make an impression.

Imran Louza is out after suffering an injury in pre-season, but apart from that, Edwards has a full squad to choose from.

West Brom v Watford: What has been said?

West Brom gaffer Steve Bruce: "We couldn't have asked for a more difficult first home game of the season.

"It's always good to play your first home game. It's the dawn of a new season and everyone is really excited.

"There's no denying that the last few seasons have been disappointing, but we're now into a new campaign and the slate has to be wiped clean.

"It'll be difficult, but let's enjoy the challenge of trying to beat Watford and getting off to a great start at The Hawthorns.

Watford boss Rob Edwards: "It will be another very difficult game, West Brom are always a formidable force, and Steve Bruce has four promotions from this league.

"They've recruited some good players and they will be a difficult team to get the better of. We know it's going to be difficult, especially at their place, but it's one we're looking forward to and I think it'll be difficult for them too."

West Brom v Watford: Match facts

This is the first league meeting between West Brom and Watford since March 2018 in the Premier League, with the Hornets winning 1-0 with a goal from Troy Deeney.

Outside the Premier League, West Brom and Watford haven't faced one another since April 2010 in the Championship; Chris Brunt equalised in the last minute for the Baggies in a 1-1 draw.

After losing four of their first five league games under Steve Bruce (D1), West Brom have lost just three of the following 13 matches in the Championship (W6 D4).

Watford have won 15 of their last 19 Championship games (D1 L3), and have won 15 of their last 16 when scoring at least once in the division (D1).

Since the start of the 2019-20 season, West Brom's Jed Wallace has provided more Championship assists than any other player (31), including assisting last time out against Middlesbrough.