Di Matteo's aiming for a goal-den start.

Byline: Alan McInally 

ROBERTO Di Matteo is planning to break down gritty Watford with an early goal at The Hawthorns tomorrow.

Opponents have taken the more defensive approach when facing the Baggies this season and Di Matteo expects nothing different from Malky McKay's Hornets.

"Watford's away record is better than their home record. They've had some impressive results away from home. They're a solid team who get men behind the ball, which can make life very difficult for you," said the Albion boss.

"Patience sometimes is the key but scoring an early goal also helps. That can force the opposition to open up."

However, Albion are going through something of a goal drought at the moment.

And after extra lessons at finishing school during the week, Di Matteo wants to see his strikers hogging the limelight again.

"In the last two games, we seem to have improved on the defensive side,'' he said.

"But, up front,we haven't been taking our chances. In training, it looks all right but it's when the games come along that the players need to be clinical."

Youssuf Mulumbu is a major doubt for tomorrow's clash after he tweaked a knee ligament in training.