Villa face Watford for the first time in competitive football, Watford become the 97th team that the Villa first team has played in League or Cup football.

Tommy Docherty's terrible season continues as Villa fail to score for the sixth time in ten games and make it two draws and six losses in eight division two games so far this season as they slump to defeat against bottom club Watford. Meanwhile, full back Brian Rowan made his one and only appearance for Villa aged 21 after moving from Ballieston Rovers in April 1969 before moving on to Villa’s opposition this day, Watford, in October 1971. Also leaving was midfielder John Griffiths who made his third and final Villa appearance aged 18 before moving to Stockport County in May 1970.