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Jermain Defoe to start in Carabao Cup as Eddie Howe searches for goals
Jermain Defoe will start Tuesday's League Cup tie at Birmingham as Eddie Howe searches for goals ahead of the visit of Manchester City next weekend.
Bournemouth have been out of sorts in their opening two defeats of the season and have yet to find the net so Howe will be desperate to call on the experienced goalscorer, having gone to great lengths to sign him from Sunderland this summer.
“Everybody wants to play and I think the manager knows I’m ready now,” said Defoe.
“It’s disappointing because we have so much quality in the dressing room and we all feel like there is a lot more to come from us.
“Tuesday’s an opportunity for me because I missed a few pre-season games, plus came back late because of the internationals. I feel sharp though. I’ve worked hard all week and in pre-season, and I’ve always said you get your fitness in the games anyway,” he added.
Watford’s summer business is already beginning to pay off and Marco Silva is not finished yet.
Kiko Femenia, Andre Gray, Nathaniel Chalobah, and Richarlison all impressed in the defeat of Bournemouth and manager Silva confirmed that “the board is working hard to the end of the market to give me what I believe we need”.
Not too much on Saturday’s evidence. Watford looked obdurate and well organised defensively and possessed plenty of pace and flair on the attack.
Perhaps most exciting on show was Richarlison, the 20-year-old Brazilian, who lived up to his stereotype when he lobbed and nutmegged Bournemouth’s Adam Smith in a single movement.
“Everyone was impressed by his skill and, as players, there’s nothing more we can do besides applauding it, really. It’s so good to watch,” said Chalobah of the former Fluminense forward.
The £11.2 million signing is more at home on the beaches of Espirito Santo in southeastern Brazil than the British seaside but he lit up the Vitality Stadium and gave the Hornets supporters plenty to look forwards to.
“The language barrier is difficult, but he speaks fluent football and everyone in the team can understand him in that regard,” explained Chalobah.