Watford vs Everton preview: Big game for Leighton Baines as Toffees look to get back to winning ways

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at Vicarage Road

Everton defender Leighton Baines (Getty)

It’s a big game for…

Leighton Baines: The England full-back has come under scrutiny this week after comments he made in the aftermath of his sides defeat to Manchester United in which he appeared to suggest there was no chemistry in the Everton squad this season.

Baines’ performances have diminished this season, no surprise perhaps at the age of 31, but given the fact he is becoming a headache for Roberto Martinez off the pitch as well as on it, Baines may well be playing for his Everton future in the coming weeks.

Weird /best stat…

9: Everton have won 9 of their last 10 matches against the Hornets.

Player to watch…

Troy Deeney: Watford’s top scorer will be keen to help his side get back on the horse following a run of four defeats in a row which has seen the Hertfordshire side slip to 14th in the table. Deeney has an excellent record at Vicarage Road and could be the key to a Watford victory this weekend.

Past three-meetings…

Everton 2 (Barkley, Kone) Watford 2 (Layun, Ighalo), Premier League, August 2015.

Watford 0 Everton 3 (Fernandes, Johnson, Osman), Premier League, February 2007.

Everton 2 (Johnson, Arteta) Watford 1 (Francis), Premier League, August 2006.

Form guide…

Watford: DLLWLL

Everton: WWLWLL

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 15:00

TV: Highlights on BBC 1 22:20