FULHAM PREVIEW: WATFORD (H)

Slaviša Jokanović will face his old club Watford with Fulham on Saturday, 3 years after his successful, yet short-lived, spell at the helm of the Hornets.

After an average start to the season, the Cottagers will be looking to kick on and take points from a side that have only lost once so far this campaign.

JOKANOVIC'S COMMENTS:

When asked about his time at Watford, Jokanović was only full of praise:

“I always have great memories of Watford. I have great memories for this club, a lot of respect for this team and these fans of the club, and the owner… I had a really happy and successful time at this club, and all my memories are positive.”

When asked if England manager Gareth Southgate had contacted him over the international future of midfielder Tom Cairney, Jokanović confirmed he hadn’t. He spoke highly of English-born Cairney:

"It depends on him, on the coach, but he's really good and he [Cairney] would be useful for any team or coach."

TEAM NEWS:

The major blows for Fulham this weekend include the confirmed absences of first team players Tom Cairney and Neeskens Kebano. However, American defender Tim Ream is now back training with the team after six weeks out.

Gerard Deulofeu is close to returning for the visitors but will not be part of the squad at Craven Cottage, some encouragement perhaps for Jokanović and his side.

STATS:

Fulham are yet to keep a league clean sheet this season, conceding 12 goals in 5 games. Furthermore, the Cottagers haven’t beaten the Hornets since 2005, losing their two most recent meetings.

However, Aleksandar Mitrovic has 4 goals in 5 games for Fulham. Moreover, Watford have conceded 13 goal attempts from headers this season, whilst 8 of Mitrovic's 20 efforts on goal have come from headers.

BETTING ODDS:

Watford are underdogs at 15/8 to win, Fulham are 11/8, and a draw is 12/5.

I personally think Watford’s recent loss to Manchester United will knock their confidence and allow Fulham to run out 2-1 winners.