Watford have started the second half of the season in quite the manner they kicked off the campaign in August last year. The Hornets are sitting 10th in the league table and with as many as 14 games to go, there is a realistic chance that they get another shot at the Europa League before the end of the season.
Watford had faced a huge slump at the end of last year after staying in the top half mostly. And thanks to Walter Mazzarri’s transfer activities, the Hornets have yet again become a threat to bigger teams now. The Italian manager has been brilliant in the transfer window, bringing in three new faces who have already started to make a mark in the league.
The Watford attack has become way sharper now with the team capable of inflicting real damage to the bigger teams. Here is the predicted line-up that Mazzarri could deploy with his new signings.
Defence
Heurelho Gomes is a sure-starter under the bar. The Brazilian was brilliant there in the game against Arsenal, keeping out some fantastic efforts from the attackers.
The back line will be unchanged as it is the attack that Mazzarri has mainly focussed on. The Hornets’ defence has been quite impressive of late with a star performance by Younes Kaboul at the Emirates, who completely shut out the in-form Olivier Giroud. Sebastian Prodl has been nothing short of brilliant in the heart of the defence and alongside Kaboul.
The side back roles will be taken by Jose Holebas and Daryl Janmaat and their combative attitude has been quite handy for Mazzarri to give that extra push during deadlocks.
Midfield
Midfield had been a problem for Watford earlier this season with critics stating that they lacked creativity through the middle. The arrival of Tom Cleverley has pretty much sorted that out. The loanee from Everton, who is pretty confident of making a permanent move after the season, has been hugely impactful for Watford and has already bagged two goals and one assist in four games.
With him alongside Capoue in an advanced role, and Behrami behind them doing the dirty work, Watford have got back their mojo in the midfield.
Attack
It is the attack, which will make the difference for Mazzarri now. The Italian has brought in M’Baye Niang and Mauro Zarate from Serie A and while the Argentinian made his debut against Burnley last week, the French international has been on fire. The attack will be spearheaded by the ever-reliable Troy Deeney.
