The first half of Watford’s Premier League encounter against Bournemouth has hardly been a classic. The Hornets have fashioned the better chances but the contest is goalless at half time.

Quique Sanchez Flores made four changes to the Hornets side which started last weekend’s FA Cup win against Leeds United.

In came Heurelho Gomes, Nathan Ake, Valon Behrami and Odion Ighalo. Out went Costel Pantilimon, Jose Holebas, Mario Suarez and Almen Abdi.

There is little doubt Watford and Bournemouth have contrasting styles of play.

While the Hornets are well organised and are happy to play on the counter, the Cherries like to dominate possession but are much more open defensively.

That was evident inside the opening five minutes as Ighalo fashioned the first chance of the game.

The Hornets top scorer dribbled both past Harry Arter and Steve Cook before seeing his shot saved by Artur Boruc.

The Nigerian striker had another sight of goal minutes later when he connected with Juan Carlos Paredes’ cross but his volley from ten yards bounced wide.

Arter and Nordin Amrabat then exchanged shots from distance but both attempts were wayward.

The remainder of the half was scrappy with both sides playing hopeful passes forward rather than building attacks.

Troy Deeney, in front of the watching England manager Roy Hodgson, fired a shot well over from distance. It was his only effort on goal during the opening period.

Bournemouth looked to apply some late pressure and there were half-hearted appeals for a penalty when Josh King tumbled in the area. Referee Anthony Taylor waved away the appeals. It was the right call.

Watford: Gomes; Paredes, Britos, Cathcart, Ake; Capoue, Watson, Behrami; Amrabat, Deeney; Ighalo.

Watford substitutes: Pantilimon, Nyom, Holebas, Prödl, Suarez, Anya, Abdi.

Bournemouth: Boruc; Smith, Francis, Cook, Daniels; Surman, Arter; Ritchie, King, Stanislas (Gradel 23); Afobe.

Bournemouth substitutes: Federici, Elphick, Distin, Gosling, Iturbe, Murray.