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

Etienne Capoue vs Pedro Obiang

There will be a fascinating battle in the centre of midfield on Saturday as Watford’s Etienne Capoue will look to get the better of West Ham’s improving midfielder Pedro Obiang.

28-year-old Capoue has been one of the Hornets’ stand-out players this season with consistently high level displays, as well as notching five goals and an assist in his 25 Premier League starts this season.

His ability to retain possession and both launch attacks and take responsibility defensively will come under scrutiny from West Ham’s Obiang, who has had an excellent few weeks for the Hammers.

The Spaniard wasn’t always first choice in the midfield at the beginning of the campaign, but a fine display in the 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace and then again in the win at Middlesbrough has propelled him to the top of the pecking order.

His incredible work-rate and ability to break up play and retain the ball has been a key part of the Hammers’ resurgence in recent times, and he’ll once again have to be at his best to dominate against Watford on Saturday.