West Ham are without Michail Antonio and Andre Ayew for new manager David Moyes’ first game in charge.
Antonio is still struggling with a hamstring problem, as is the sidelined Javier Hernandez, while Ayew is ill.
Winston Reid starts despite having only returned to London on Friday after international duty with New Zealand.
Pablo Zabaleta is back after suspension and Marko Arnautović, widely criticised for his performances since joining the Hammers during the summer, is also included in the side.
Watford, meanwhile, make two changes, with Marvin Zeegelaar coming in for his debut and Adrian Mariappa also starting.
Sebastian Prodl and Roberto Pereyra return to the Hornets squad after injury and are on the bench. Troy Deeney is suspended.
Watford: Gomes; Mariappa, Kabasele, Britos; Femenía, Cleverley, Doucouré, Zeegelaar; Hughes, Richarlison; Gray.
Subs: Karnezis, Prödl, Holebas, Capoue, Pereyra, Carrillo, Okaka.
West Ham: Hart, Zabaleta, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Noble, Kouyate, Obiang, Arnautovic, Lanzini, Carroll.
Subs: Adrian, Masuaku, Rice, Fernandes, Quina, Sakho, Martinez.