After a convincing defeat against Manchester United where Watford were second best at every department, Walter Mazzarri will hope to get back on track as they host a rejuvenated West Ham United side next weekend.
The Hornets sit in the 13th position of the league table, just two points and four positions below the Hammers, which indicates the intense competition for the top half of the table. A win here will not only take them above West Ham United but will also help them leapfrog three teams in a go. Their home form, however, isn’t the most encouraging one, as they have collected just 18 points from 12 games.
Defence
Heurelho Gomes will take his place under the bar once again. He could do very little against Manchester United’s incessant attacks last game and will expect breathing space against Hammers. The experienced Brazilian shot-stopper has been an assuring presence for Mazzarri.
Hornets’ compact backline has been impressive for the most part of the season but could do very little in the last game. They would like to gain back their mojo as fast as possible. The central defensive duo will be Younes Kaboul and Sebastian Prodl.
We expect a slight change in the full-back role this time. Deploying Jose Holebas on the wings wasn’t a bright idea and had very little impact. We expect the Greece international to fall back in the defence. Daryl Janmaat will start on the other flank. While absorbing pressure, these two have shown brilliant tenacity.
Midfield
The double pivot wasn’t a bright idea either. The three-midfield setup has worked pretty well for the Hornets and we expect the manager to stick with it when they face West Ham. The midfield reinforcements have no doubt improved their creativity through the middle, something which was heavily criticised by many at the start of the season.
Valon Behrami is likely to start as the pivot in the midfield. His combative style of playing has been immensely helpful for Watford and provides an extra cushion for the back line. Tom Cleverley should start in the attacking midfield alongside Étienne Capoue.
Attack
The side have invested big in beefing up the attack after a very low output initially. M’Baye Niang and Mauro Zarate has been instant hits for the side. The attack will be led by their skipper Troy Deeney. The skipper has been their best scorer so far with seven goals.
Zarate – Deeney – Niang
Cleverley – Behrami – Capoue
Holebas – Kaboul – Prodl – Janmaat
Gomes
