It’s the second consecutive season for Watford in the Premier League following their decent Premier League comeback campaign last time out. The Hornets were never really involved in a relegation battle but a dip in form in the second half of the season saw Quique Sanchez Flores getting replaced by former Napoli and Inter manager Walter Mazzarri They have started life under their new boss in a decent manner and got themselves some good results but the consistency is not yet there. If all players are fit, what will be the Hornets’ best XI? Let us have a look.
Formation: 3-5-2
Mazzarri had his success at Napoli in a 3-5-2 formation and has mostly used the same tactics at Vicarage Road this season. So, we also opt for a 3-5-2 system.
Defence
Former Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes will take the place under the bar. There are plenty of options for Watford at the heart of the defence in Prodl, Cathcart, Britos, Kaboul, Kabasele and Mariappa. Our back three would be Prodl, Cathcart and Britos, though.
Midfield
The two wide players in the 3-5-2 system operate as wing-backs. They play a key role in this formation and their performances have a big say on the team’s success or failure. The two wing-backs operate up and down the flank offering both defensive and attacking work rate to the team. Daryl Janmaat will be the right wing-back in this formation while Jose Holebas will be the left wing-back.
Valon Behrami is a player Mazzarri knows inside out from their time together at Napoli. The Swiss international will definitely get a place in the middle of the park. Etienne Capoue has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season adding goals and assists to his name from midfield. The Frenchman will also get a place in the midfield trio.
Summer signing from Juventus, Roberto Pereyra, will complete the midfield trio. The Argentine will be the most attacking of the three central midfielders thanks to his creativity and flair.
Attack
Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo worked their magic in the Premier League last season, scoring a total of 25 goals between them. They would be the two strikers in the strongest possible XI without any shadow of a doubt.
Watford skipper Deeney is a player who likes to operate from a deeper position while Ighalo is also a hardworking forward. They share a brilliant understanding between them and will be the two up front in our system.
