Afternoon everyone! It's the business end of the Premier League and for most clubs it is becoming clear where their season will end. A clash between West Bromwich Albion and Watford awaits us at The Hawthorns. The clubs reside 14th and 15th in the table respectively, and while their Premier League status has not been officially confirmed, both are close to sealing safety.

Tony Pulis seems to have done the job again! The Welshman has quite the reputation for saving clubs in trouble, and even though he has publicly stated that he does not want to be solely known for that, it's worth noting that he has prevented the Baggies from falling into the Championship. As mentioned, nobody is mathematically safe just yet, but West Brom have reached the all-important 40-point mark.

As for Watford, they were tipped as one of the clubs to go down as they earned promotion alongside Bournemouth and Norwich City last summer, but a strong start to the campaign from Quique Flores's side has kept them relatively away from danger for the majority of the season. They are two points away from claiming 40 in the league, and despite failing to win any of their last six league games, Watford are expected to get the points they need to stay up.

The lineups for both teams have just come through at Vicarage Road, so let's take a look...

WEST BROM XI: Foster; Chester, Evans, McAuley, Dawson; Fletcher, Yacob, McClean; Berahino, Sessegnon, Rondon
Subs: Myhill, Olsson, Gardner, Anichebe, McManaman, Sandro, Leko

WATFORD XI: Gomes; Nyom, Britos, Prodl, Ake; Guedioura, Capoue, Watson, Jurado; Deeney, Ighalo
Subs: Pantilimon, Paredes, Suarez, Behrami, Anya, Berghuis, Amrabat

So, it's just the one change for West Brom from las weekend's defeat to Manchester City as Claudio Yacob comes into the starting XI and Sandro drops to the bench. As normal, Ben Foster lines up in goal, with James Chester, Jonny Evans, Gareth McAuley and Craig Dawson in defence.

Yacob joins Darren Fletcher and James McClean in midfield, while Stephane Sessegnon and Saido Berahino will provide attacking threat alongside Salomon Rondon, who is passed fit after recovering from a back injury. There is no place for Alex Pritchard on the bench, but Callum McManaman is named among the substitutes.

#WBA team v Watford: Foster; Chester, Yacob, Evans, McClean, Berahino, McAuley, Fletcher, Dawson, Sessegnon, Rondonhttps://t.co/5dLl2yAk0w — West Bromwich Albion (@WBAFCofficial) April 16, 2016

As for Watford, Quique Flores has made four changes to last weekend's team as Allan Nyom, Sebastian Prodl, Nathan Ake, Adlene Guedioura come in for Juan Carlos Paredes, Craig Cathcart, Jose Holebas and Valon Behrami. The changes mean that Guedioura gets his first Premier League start this season.

So, Heurelho Gomes starts in goal, with Nyom, Prodl, Ake and Miguel Britos lining the defensive back four. Guedioura joins Etienne Capoue, Ben Watson and Jose Jurado in midfield, while Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo lead the line.

ARRIVALS: The #watfordfc squad have arrived at the Hawthorns ahead of today's match against @WBAFCofficial. pic.twitter.com/KFbfuBoX0D

— Watford FC (@WatfordFC) April 16, 2016

At this stage of the season, when a team knows that they are pretty much safe, they can approach the remaining games relaxed. The problem with that, though, is that focus sometimes drops and results suffer because of it. Pulis will want to make sure that his team keep up their standards and they have been lacking wins of late. Two of their last three league matches ended in defeats, while the other was a goalless draw.

Last weekend, the Baggies suffered a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, but they put on a decent display that troubled the two-time Premier League champions. Stephane Sessegnon stunned the hosts at the Etihad Stadium by scoring in the sixth minute, but unfortunately for West Brom, they could not hold onto their lead. Sergio Aguero nabbed an equaliser from the penalty spot and Samir Nasri wrapped up the win for City with a goal in the 66th minute.

In the games leading up to that result, Pulis's side were undone by Norwich City at home. A 50th minute Robbie Brady goal was enough to down the Baggies, who put on a disappointing display. The team could not muster one shot on target, and what made it worse was that the only shot on target in the entire game was Brady's goal. The Baggies did create some opportunities, but six of their goalscoring efforts missed the target.

The game that followed was away to Sunderland, who are battling for their lives in the bottom three. The game ended in a point apiece, but it was a goalless stalemate, one that Sunderland would have felt unfortunate not to win. The North-East outfit had 11 shots at goal, 10 of which were on target, but they could not convert. Compare that to West Brom's zero attempts on target and you can understand why it was a frustrating day for the Black Cats.

It is no big secret that West Brom have been struggling to find goals lately. They are the second-lowest scorers in the Premier League, with only soon-to-be relegated Aston Villa beneath them. Pulis's men have only managed to score 31 goals all season, and that is a stat that they share with today's opponents Watford.

West Brom's last league win was on March 6 when they overcame Manchester United 1-0 at The Hawthorns. A 66th-minute goal from Salomon Rondon was enough to cause a huge upset to United, who have struggled for consistency this season. The Baggies have actually been much better at home this season as they have only been beaten once in their last seven fixtures at The Hawthorns, which bodes well for this afternoon's game.

Last season, the club finished 13th with 44 points and while they may not be ending the campaign with silverware or a surge up the table, their tally of 40 points after 32 games is seven more than they had at the stage of the 2014-15 campaign.

DID YOU KNOW? West Brom have the oldest squad in the Premier League this season. The average age of the team's first XI is 29 years and 219 days. Perhaps it's about time that the club started threading through some of the youngsters!

It appears that Pulis completely agrees! He recently spoke of the ageing squad and spoke of a need to bring in some young, fresh faces to the first team.

"I don't think the age mix is right at the moment," Pulis told reporters. "We had a big meeting with the scouting chaps yesterday in respect of looking for younger talent. We have got to balance it a bit better than this year. I think we've got one of the oldest squads in the Premier League.

"I'll wait until the games have finished and then sit down with the chairman. Obviously we'll prepare stuff in the weeks before. We are identifying players, what we need round the training ground.

"We've had a report done on the fitness, the running stats, what we're good and not good on, when we've picked up injuries, what we can do to improve pre-season. I've got all that data this morning.

"We're trying to push things on and grow the football club. Then we can filter the information down to the academy and they can work off that basis."

© Getty Images

Via the club's official website, McAuley said: "It's great for both Jonas and I. When you're settled somewhere and you enjoy it, and you enjoy the football and the people you work with, it's an easy decision to make.

"The time Jonas has been here has been fantastic and I've really enjoyed the time I've had with him and with the club. Speaking to the club about the plans they have moving forward, hopefully we can step on.

"Since I've been here it's always been about progression. We staggered a little bit for a couple of years, but I think this season we've progressed again and, hopefully, with a few additions we can establish ourselves as a top-10 club."

Olsson added: "It's good to be part of the squad for another year, it makes it nine for me and six for Gareth. It's nice to be part of this club and I'm happy to play with Gareth for another year.

"When you make decisions about your future, there's certain things you weigh up and, for me, it really has been about being part of this group for another year.

"Both of us have been here a long time but I think we can agree that the dressing room we have now really is something special. I'm really happy and proud to be part of this team and this league for another season."

Defensive duo @G23mcauley & @J_OlssonViasat pen new one-year contract extensions https://t.co/e06TSJjKVJ #WBA pic.twitter.com/lPxweDwgew — West Bromwich Albion (@WBAFCofficial) April 15, 2016

I think it's time that we switch our attention to Watford, shall we? Flores's side started the season well and since Christmas, they have pretty much been safe in the Premier League. In addition, they could end the season with silverware as they face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley next weekend. Securing survival and getting to the latter stages of the cup is a great first season back in the top flight, but Flores will be disappointed with his side's recent slump.

Watford have not won in the Premier League since February 13 when they earned a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. Troy Deeney gave the Hornets the lead in the 16th minute and the striker later won the game after responding to Emmanuel Adebayor's equaliser. Since then, they have drawn two and lost four.

The defeats came against Manchester United, Leicester City, Stoke City and Arsenal, who gave the Hornets a 4-0 drubbing. One of the draws resulted goalless against Bournemouth, while the other, which was last weekend, ended in a 1-1 scoreline with Everton. The worrying thing for Flores is that during those last seven games, his team have managed to find the back of the net just twice.

Deeney and Odion Ighalo have scored 23 of Watford's 31 league goals, but they have both struggled to maintain that form. In fact, Deeney has scored just three in 2016, while his strike partner has managed just the one since the turn of the year.

© Getty Images

Only Newcastle United and Aston Villa are in a worser run of form that Watford at the moment. Flores's side have picked up just two points from their last six games, and they are also third from bottom in the scoring standings having netted just 31 in the top flight. Strangely, though, Ighalo is sixth in the top scorers list with 15 goals, which is only bettered by Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, Sergio Aguero, Romelu Lukaku and Riyad Mahrez.

A somewhat positive for Watford, though, is that they currently have the seventh-best defensive record in the division. They have conceded 37 goals and have kept 10 clean sheets. Tottenham have the best defence in the league as they have conceded 25 goals and kept 12 clean sheets. Manchester United, Leicester City, Arsenal, Manchester City and Southampton are also above Watford in the list.

DID YOU KNOW? Watford have won double the amount of games in the FA Cup than they have in the Premier League in 2016. The Hornets have claimed four wins in the cup competition this year, but they have only managed two wins in the league since the turn of the year. Also, they are the lowest scoring team in the division in 2016 as they have scored on just seven occasions.

Some questions have been floating around about Flores's long-term future at the club because of this recent run of poor form. It has been reported that the coach has a break clause in his contract, which can be activated one year into his two-year contract. The man himself does not seem worried, though.

Flores told reporters: "We are relaxed inside the club, I'm not worried for my future. I'm really happy in Watford and really happy with this group and in terms of how the club are with me.

"I have strong contact with the owner so I don't need to be supported every time, I'm not this type of person."

© Getty Images

HEAD TO HEAD: So, how do these two stack up when playing one another? Well, West Brom have a decent record over Watford as they are unbeaten in 15 league meetings having won eight and drawn seven. The Hornets have not beaten West Brom since February 1995 and they have conceded goals in their last seven league visits to The Hawthorns. That doesn't bode well for Watford!

Both sets of teams are making their way out onto the pitch on The Hawthorns. Kickoff is moments away!

KICKOFF! We're underway at The Hawthorns! Neither side have been particularly prolific of late, but fingers crossed for goals this afternoon!

In case you were wondering, Michael Oliver is the referee for today's clash.

Watford have started positively as they manage to hold off pressure from Rondon before beginning their own attack. At the other end, Deeney and Guedioura exchange passes, but Evans manages to get to the ball to thwart an attack.

The Baggies defend well as they prevent Deeney and Ighalo from finding a way through. Pulis's side launch a counter-attack, but Watford's back line close down on Rondon and Sessegnon, preventing the move from ending in a shot at goal.

It looks as though West Brom's approach is to fill the midfield with bodies and frustrate Watford. The hosts get some time on the ball and string a few passes together, but are yet to venture out of their own half.

Capoue manages to snatch the ball off Fletcher before spotting Guedioura's run and sending the ball forward, but the winger fails to keep hold of the ball and gives it away to West Brom. It's not a huge shock that neither side have had a sniff at goal yet!

The hosts get a corner thanks to some decent skill from Sessegnon. He is under pressure from Jurado, but he manages to turn swiftly and earn a set piece.

The corner comes in and Watford struggle to clear the ball convincingly. Guedioura sends the ball out for another corner, which is whipped in and comfortably caught by Gomes.

The hosts win another corner as Dawson's teasing ball into the box is headed behind by Britos for a corner. It's taken short and is initially cleared by the visitors, but the ball ends up at the feet of Rondon, who smashes a shot, but misses the target completely from 20 yards.

At the other end, Deeney breaks away from his marker trying to get on the end of a diagonal pass, but McAuley gets there first and the ball trickles out for a goal kick.

CHANCE! Watford get a sniff at goal as Guedioura goes it alone with a 25-yard shot, but his low attempt just drifts wide of the post.

West Brom go on the charge this time and it's Sessegnon who gets it going by delivering the ball into the box from the right looking for Rondon, but the forward cannot reach it and Gomes catches the ball.

Dawson tries with another cross, but both Rondon and Fletcher miss the ball after it gets a slight touch off a Watford player in the box.

West Brom earn a free kick on the left flank and the ball is drifted into the box by Evans. Dawson meets it after leaping above everyone else in the box, but it's a limp effort and the ball goes straight into the hands of Gomes.

Oh dear. Almost an embarrassing moment for Ake! The defender miss-hits a back pass, which Berahino almost latches on to, but Gomes is quick off his lines and manages to kick the ball away.

SAVE! Gomes is forced into a save off Sessegnon's free kick. The ball is heading towards the near post, but the Watford keeper makes a stop. Seconds later, Fletcher lays the ball off to Sessegnon, whose effort skies over the bar.

SAVE! We're getting some goalmouth action now! At the other end, Jurado unleashes a 20-yard shot, but he aims the ball right at Foster.

Watford take the lead! Chester gives away a corner and the ball is whipped in from Guedioura to find Watson, who flicks the ball past Foster and into the back of the net. That is Watford's eighth goal since the turn of the year.

West Brom try to respond as McClean charges into space just outside of the penalty area, but he delays his shot and in doing so gets closed down and is forced to send the ball wide.

BOOKING! Britos is the first player to go into the book after bringing down Rondon with a cynical challenge.

The resulting free kick is wasted by the Baggies as Berahino's attempt from 25 yards out ends up hitting the Watford wall.

CHANCE! Watford go looking for a second as Deeney sends the ball out left to Jurado, who finds Ake on the overlap, but the full-back fails to get good control on the ball and his shot soars over the bar.

At the other end, Fletcher goes for the long-ball approach as he sends it towards Rondon in the final third. The forward gets a foot to it, but he loses control of the ball and it ends up trickling towards the keeper.

Deeney and Ighalo put West Brom's defence under pressure again with their strength and movement. The home side are being forced into frantic clearances. Pulis may need to change the approach for the second half if they remain a goal down.

WIDE! Sessegnon tries to make the most of a poor back pass from Jurado as he sends the ball to Berahino, but the forward slices his shot and it drops wide of the post.

West Brom are creating some pressure of their own. Rondon lays the ball off to Sessegnon, who goes for glory with a thumping drive, but it just misses the target and fizzes wide. The home side are awarded a corner, though, even though Gomes missed it.

Just the one minute added on before we break for half-time. Watford should be heading back to the dressing room with the lead.

Michael Oliver blows his whistle and it's Watford who head into the half-time break with a 1-0 advantage. Both teams have struggling for consistency since the turn of the year, but as it stands, Watford will be taking home all three points. It was a scrappy start to the game and West Brom did well to pack the midfield and thwart Watford's attacks. The first real quality came in the 27th minute, though, when Ben Watson flicked the ball home to give the Hornets the lead. The Baggies ended the half on the frontfoot, so they may pose more of a threat in the remainder of the game. We'll return for the second half shortly.

RESTART! We're back underway at The Hawthorns! Can Watford maintain their lead or will West Brom perform a comeback? Let's find out!

West Brom have stormed out of the blocks here. They are putting the visitors under pressure, but Watford are managing to handle the attack.

It's another scrappy start, but McClean tries to make things happen for West Brom as he quickly turns on the edge of the box and unleashes a shot, but his attempt goes wide.

SAVE! Gomes makes a great stop as McAuley heads towards the net after meeting McClean's ball into the area.

West Brom get a free kick from 30 yards out after Britos claimed on Berahino's back. Evans takes the set piece and floats the ball into the area. Watford initially clear, but the Baggies get another free kick for a foul on Yacob.

Evans takes the free kick again and McAuley meets the ball, but he doesn't have a chance to go for goal as they offside flag is raised.

SAVE! What a crucial stop! McAuley makes a mistake at the back allowing Deeney to snatch the ball. The forward strikes the ball towards the top corner, but Foster gets fingertips on it to save West Brom from danger.

Watford manage to put West Brom under pressure with two quick corners, but the hosts hold them off.

Oh dear! McClean and Rondon fluff a routine pass! Under no pressure at all, the winger looks to pass to the forward, but it drifts out of play.

SAVE! Rondon gets close! The West Brom forward aims for the near post, but Gomes manages to stop the ball from hitting the back of the net.

Rondon gets on the end of Sessegnon's cross into the box and the forward goes for goal, but his attempt is blocked. Prodl then brings down Berahino, who yells for a free kick, but the referee is having none of it.

WATFORD SUB: The visitors make a change as Suarez comes on for Guedioura.

The home side have a penalty after Berahino is brought down by Gomes! Sessegnon played in the striker, who charged in behind the Watford defence, forcing Gomes to come off his line and make the foul.

PENALTY SAVED! Gomes makes amends for his mistake by keeping out Berahino's spot kick! It was a disappointing effort from the West Brom forward, who tries to convert from the follow-up but it skies over the bar.

WEST BROM SUBS: Two changes for the hosts as McManaman and Anichebe come on for Chester and Rondon.

Ighalo drives with the ball right into the penalty area, and opts against going to ground before laying the ball off to another West Brom shirt, but Watford manage to clear the danger. Nice work from the forward.

WEST BROM SUB: It's the hosts final substitution of the afternoon as Yacob makes way for Gardner.

McManaman shows his pace by storming into the Watford area, but Nyom tracks him and prevents the midfielder's run by sending the ball out of play.

CHANCE! Jurado is in acres of space as he edges towards the penalty box. The midfielder lets one fly, but it blazes over the bar. He squanders a good opportunity to extend Watford's lead.

Another opportunity squandered by the hosts as Gardner sends a decent ball into the area, but it's easily met by Ake, who heads clear. Frustration emanating from The Hawthorns.

The Baggies earn a corner and it's teased in towards the middle of the box. Britos gets to it first as he heads away and Deeney is there to clear. West Brom are knocking on the door!

Pulis's side get another penalty! It's a harsh one as Capoue is punished after clashing with Sessegnon. Berahino gets a second chance!

Gomes has done it again! It's a better penalty from Berahino, but the keeper reacts well to dive to his left and keep the ball out.

Three minutes of added time to play. Not long left for West Brom!

Well, it started as a rather uneventful game, but it ended with excitement as Heurelho Gomes made two crucial saves to deny Saido Berahino from the penalty spot. Ben Watson's 27th-minute goal was enough to give Watford their first three points in the Premier League since early February. Thank you for joining us, and until next time, goodbye!