Watford will host Bournemouth at Vicarage road at the weekend for their next round of matches in the Premier League. After winning two consecutive matches in the league, last one over Manchester United, Mazzarri’s men were shocked by Burnley at Turf Moor.
It was an unexpected result which underlined again that there is absolutely no room for error and you have to be at your best every week to get a positive result in the Premier League irrespective of the opposition. The game against Bournemouth is thus a very important one which has to yield a positive result for the Hornets else the good work from the last two weeks would be undone. Let’s take a look at the 3 key battles which will have a huge impact on the result of the clash when these two teams will meet on Saturday.
Jack Wilshere Vs Etienne Capoue
Etienne Capoue has been excellent for Watford this season. The Frenchman has been utilised as a number 8 by Mazzarri and it has paid huge dividends for the side with the midfielder scoring 4 goals and assisting another in his 6 games while defensively he averages 3 successful tackles and 2 interceptions per game.
Having excelled in his new role Mazzarri would want his midfield enforcer to keep doing his stuff in the offensive areas alongside shadowing Jack Wilshere, who has made a big impact for Eddie Howe and his men. Stifling the Arsenal loanee would severely curb the attacking threat of the visitors and Watford would have a better chance of keeping things tight at the back.
Troy Deeney Vs Simon Francis
Watford’s captain Troy Deeney has been a central figure expectedly for his manager and is a key player in the 3-5-2 formation employed by Watford’s Italian coach. Deeney has troubled every defence with his exceptional physicality and with his bulldog like approach. In the air, the Watford captain seems almost unbeatable winning over 6 aerial duels per game and Simon Francis would have to play at his best to contain the threat of the player.
Francis has so far not been commanding at the back for the Cherries and on Saturday he will need to impose himself more when he goes up against Deeney, which would make for a nice battle and a very important one as well.
Jordon Ibe Vs Jose Holebas
With Mazzarri playing his usual 3-5-2/5-3-2, much will depend on the Greek fullback Jose Holebas and on his positioning as to how the hosts can take control of the game. Bournemouth also have some pace on the flanks with former Liverpool man Jordan Ibe playing on the right wing.
The wingback role of Holebas will leave spaces for Ibe to run into and exploit which can turn out to be the area from where most of the Bournemouth attacks are channeled.
On the other hand, if not tracked when he goes on the overlaps/ underlaps, Holebas can prove to be decisive for the hosts in the other half. Thus, Ibe also would need to track back and cover his own fullback which makes this battle even more interesting and important for the tie.
