The 3 key battles as Watford host West Ham in the Premier League this evening

Sebastian Prodl vs Andy Carroll

West Ham striker Andy Carroll missed their 2-2 draw with West Brom two weeks ago with a groin problem, but looks set to be fit and available for the Hammers at Vicarage Road on Saturday.

The England international has scored six goals for the club since his return from injury in December, and has been a big part of their recent resurgence in form.

Although Bilic’s men played well against West Brom and almost won the game, there’s no doubt that they missed Carroll’s aerial presence, both offensively and defensively, so Watford’s Sebastian Prodl will be hoping not to go up against the 28-year-old on Saturday.

The Hornets centre-back has started all but two of their 25 Premier League games this term, and has performed reasonably well for a side that have conceded one goal less than West Ham this season.

Clearly, if Carroll does indeed start, Prodl will have to be at his best to thwart the Hammers forward, as any success for Carroll against the Watford man could spell trouble for Mazzarri’s side.