Everton v Watford

Watford travel to Goodison Park for the season opener in good spirits, and manager Aidy Boothroyd has virtually a full squad from which to choose from.

American defender, Jay DeMerit has recovered from an ankle problem that kept him out of last Sunday's final pre-season friendly against Chievo Verona, leaving only Clarke Carlisle of the senior squad absent, the ex-Queens Park Rangers star is still recovering from the effects of a knee complaint picked up a month ago in training.

The Watford boss is expected to give debuts to big money summer signings, Danny Shittu, and Damien Francis as well as experienced former Charlton Athletic defender, Chris Powell, whilst two of Boothroyd's other close season recruits, Tamas Priskin and Albert Jarrett, may have to make do with places on the substitutes bench.

Everton are expected to give debuts to Andrew Johnson and Joleon Lescott, and manager David Moyes is likely to prefer Tim Howard in goal ahead of ex-England stopper, Richard Wright.

On the injury front, the Toffees have doubts over Andy Van der Meyde (Medical), Nuno Valente (Knee) and influential Captain, David Weir who has been struggling with a troublesome groin.

Tony Hibbert is definitely ruled out with a cryptosporidium parasite concern.