Tensions will be high at Goodison on Monday night when Marco Silva faces off against the club who sacked him just 11 months ago for the first time.
“An unwarranted approach by a Premier League rival caused significant deterioration in both focus and results to the point where the long-term future of Watford FC has been jeopardised” was the reasoning behind Silva’s dismissal.
The Hornets haven’t let it go lightly either, constantly pursuing legal action against both Everton and their former boss.
But Silva must now get his new side to do the talking on the pitch.
After a disappointing draw at home to a struggling Newcastle side on Wednesday, Everton are winless in two and desperately need to improve their form going into two massive clashes against Manchester City and Spurs.
Watford gave table topping Man City a late scare on Tuesday night, but the Citizens came out with all three points, leaving Watford without a win in five, losing four.
After such a promising start to the campaign under Javi Gracia, it is fair to say Watford have dropped off massively over the last few weeks. Much like their start to last term under Silva, but they can’t blame the Toffees this time.
This fixture last season saw David Unsworth pick up his first win in his second spell as interim boss.
A certain Richarlison scored for Watford that day before Christian Kabasele added a second. Goals from Oumar Niasse, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Leighton Baines alongside a late, late penalty miss from Tom Cleverley flipped the result on its head that day.
Team news —
The hosts have no fresh injury concerns.
The visitors will be without the suspended Etienne Capoue. Will Hughes is a doubt but Cleverley could return.
Man in the middle —
Kevin Friend is take charge of proceedings on Monday.
He refereed Everton’s stalemate at Stamford Bridge earlier this term.
In 16 games this season he has shown a massive 67 yellow cards and one red.