For the 13th consecutive league game Watford haven’t conceded a goal in the first half. Unfortunately, the Hornets also haven’t been able to break the deadlock at Vicarage Road this afternoon. Their Premier League clash with Crystal Palace is goalless at the interval.

Quique Sanchez Flores kept faith with the same XI which began last weekend’s 2-1 victory over Newcastle United.

And the Hornets started brightly. Troy Deeney almost reached a clever Jose Manuel Jurado flick on before Etienne Capoue drilled a shot from distance wide. Sebastian Prödl then missed the target with a close range header.

Palace’s pace up front proved a constant threat and Yannick Bolasie’s direct dribbling kept Watford full-back Allan Nyom busy.

The Cameroonian was twice forced into bringing down the winger and from one of those fouls, Yohan Cabaye whipped in an excellent free-kick which was met by Brede Hangeland.

The towering centre-back glanced his header towards goal from point-blank range but Heurelho Gomes was able to push the ball wide. It was a fantastic stop from the Brazilian.

Both sides traded spells of pressure during the half. Jason Puncheon drilled a half volley wide for the visitors while Deeney could only steer an Abdi cross wide for the Hornets.

The final 15 minutes of the opening period were lacking in quality. Palace maintained a threat on the counter attack, largely through Bolasie, while Watford struggled to maintain possession in the attacking third.

When the Hornets did manage to penetrate the Eagles’ defence, Ikechi Anya’s cross almost found Ighalo six yards out. Unfortunately for the Golden Boys Hangeland was able to scramble the ball away.

It was the final opportunity of the half for either side and the game was level at the interval.

Watford Gomes; Nyom, Cathcart, Prödl, Anya; Capoue, Watson; Abdi, Deeney, Jurado; Ighalo.

Watford substitutes: Substitutes: Arlauskis, Paredes, Ake, Guedioura, Ibarbo, Berghuis, Diamanti.

Crystal Palace: Hennessey; Kelly, Dann, Hangeland, Souare; Ledley, Cabaye; Puncheon, Sako, Bolasie; Gayle.

Crystal Palace Substitutes: McCarthy, Croll, Mariappa, McArthur, Zaha, Gray, Campbell.