It has been an up and down season for Watford until this point. Walter Mazzarri probably would have wanted a better start to his tenure at Vicarage Road but the Italian gaffer has plenty to be happy about. Watford are sitting tenth on the table after eight games with 11 points. Considering that it is only his first season in English football, Mazzarri’s start has been quite good. The Hornets will travel to the Liberty Stadium on Saturday to take on struggling Swansea. Watford will be massive favourites for the game, at least on paper.
Mazzari has tweaked his tactics according to the needs of the game this season. Watford started their season in a 3-5-2 formation but then switched to 4-4-2. In the last two games, the Hornets lined up in a 3-4-3 formation and has done pretty well. Mazzarri is likely to stick to 3-4-3 against Swansea. Swansea haven’t won since the opening day of the season and the manager Bob Bradley will desperately want this change against the Hornets.
Here is the predicted Watford lineup against Swansea.
Defence
Experienced Heurelho Gomes will start under the bar for the Hornets. Craig Cathcart is a major doubt for the game which means that Watford are likely to stick to the back three of Prodl, Britos and Kaboul. Watford have done decently in defence this season but things could have been better. Mazzarri will demand his team to keep a clean sheet against wasteful Swansea attack.
Midfield
Etienne Capoue has been remarkable this season in the middle of the park having already scored four goals and managing one assist. However, the 28-year-old has failed to keep up the form he started the season with. The Frenchman will start in the middle of the park alongside Swiss international Valon Behrami.
Behrami has been impressive this season after reuniting with his former manager Mazzarri, whom he worked with at Napoli. Nordin Amrabat should keep his place on the right flank. Jose Holebas will keep his place on the left. The Greek international scored the winner against Boro last week in a spectacular fashion making the headlines.
Attack
Issac Success has been pretty impressive in the games he played and should keep his place in the starting XI. Another summer signing Roberto Pereyra has also been impressive for the Hornets this season but needs more consistency. The Argentine will also keep his place in the starting XI.
Skipper Troy Deeney will definitely spearhead the attack for the Hornets.
