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As it happenedended1537622814

Fulham vs Watford – Premier League as it happened: Aleksandar Mitrovic rescues late point after Andre Gray's opener

Relive all the action from Craven Cottage as Fulham turn things around after a tricky first half

Michael Jones
Saturday 22 September 2018 11:17 BST
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Fulham 2018/19 Premier League profile

Watford travel to Fulham for the opening game of the weekend's Premier League festivities looking to bounce back following their first defeat of the season.

The Hornets' 2-1 defeat by Manchester United blemished their perfect start to the campaign and Javi Gracia is determined to regain some of that lost momentum at Craven Cottage.

Fulham have shown promising signs in their opening five games, particularly in the attacking third with Aleksandar Mitrovic and Andre Schurrle particularly threatening, but with only four points on the board this is an opportunity to climb the table.

Follow all action below with our live blog:



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Good Morning, and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of the Premier League, first up today Fulham take on Watford at Craven Cottage. The Hornets have had an impressive start to the season with 4 wins out of 5, can they improve that today against a Fulham side that looks short of confidence. Stay with us to find out, kick off at 12.30pm

Michael Jones22 September 2018 11:24
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Some team news from Fulham:

Captain Tom Cairney remains out with the ankle injury which caused him to miss the defeat by Manchester City.

Defender Tim Ream is back in training after a pre-season back problem but will not be involved on Saturday.

Michael Jones22 September 2018 11:32
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Team news: 

Michael Jones22 September 2018 11:39
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One of Watford's key players this season has been Jose Holebas, the left back has 4 assists and 1 goal in the campaign so far, could he improve that record today?

Let's hope so as I've just drafted him into my fantasy team

Michael Jones22 September 2018 11:53
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Watford head coach Javi Gracia has been speaking about his team's prospects, here's what he had to say:

"I think after four wins in a row, even with the defeat against Man United, the team is mentally strong.

"They do not need good results to know the performances have been good and, in this moment, the players are confident they will be able to keep their performance levels up.

"We will try to keep our style of play, maintain our mentality and be aggressive."

Michael Jones22 September 2018 12:02
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I've got some key stats for you now:

  • This will be Fulham's 500th match in the division, making them the 15th team to reach the milestone. They have won 151 games and lost 211.
  • Head coach Slavisa Jokanovic won 21 of his 36 matches in charge of Watford between October 2014 and May 2015. This will be his first game against the club.
  • Watford are vying to win five of their opening six matches of a top-flight season for the first time.
  • The Hornets have scored an unsurpassed eight second-half goals in the Premier League this season, level with Chelsea.
Michael Jones22 September 2018 12:09
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Aleksandar Mitrović will be the key to Fulham's success today. The Serbian striker has 4 goals in 5 games this season and will need to be on form in front of goal today if The Cottagers are to get something out of this game.

Michael Jones22 September 2018 12:15
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Well, how about stat? 

Michael Jones22 September 2018 12:18
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Fulham 0 - 0 Watford

Fulham start the match, there's a tussle in mid-field for control of the ball and Watford win a throw in

Michael Jones22 September 2018 12:31
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1 min: Fulham 0 - 1 Watford - Gray

Watford in front before 90 seconds have been played, Holebas takes a throw in and it's headed into the path of Gray, he taps it to Hughes who returns the pass with Gray in space in Fulham's area, he'sone on one with Bettinelli and it's a good finish to put it past the goalkeeper

Michael Jones22 September 2018 12:32

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