Walter Mazzarri will hope to break the frustrating winless streak with a fresh approach as the Hornets host relegation-threatened Sunderland this Saturday as Premier league finally resumes after the international break.
After starting the Premier league on full throttle that saw them firmly planted in the top half in the first half of the season, they currently sit in the 14th position. They have a lead of seven points from the relegation zone and playing one game more than the bottom two sides- Middlesbrough and Sunderland.
And while they getting dragged into the red zone is a distant possibility, their next opponent has a pretty good chance against them in the English top flight football. The Hornets have managed to win just one of their last five league meetings with the Black Cats, losing all three. And David Moyes will definitely fancy a win at Vicarage Road as they have a real chance of moving up now.
Watford’s home record hasn’t also been a positive one as the Hornets have managed to collect just 19 points from 14 games. However, given Sunderland’s recent form and long injury list, Mazzarri would hope his men get a routine win on the home turf as it will equal their best Premier League home win tally in a single season.
Strongest Watford XI vs Sunderland
Defence
Heurelho Gomes is expected to start under the bar. The Brazilian goalie hasn’t been very good so far conceding a whopping 44 goals in 28 games, but Mazzarri doesn’t have a better option in his position.
The back-four is expected to remain more or less same though a shuffling of positions is expected. Left-back Jose Holebas was left on the bench in Watford’s last defeat against Crystal Palace and we expect the Greece international to start this time. Centre-half Miguel Britos started as the left-back last time and we expect him to star on the right defensive flank replacing Craig Cathcart.
The central defensive duo is expected to remain the same- Younes Kaboul and James Prodl.
Midfield
Mazzarri opted for a five-man offensive midfield last game but some brilliant defending from Palace prevented them from scoring. We expect the boss to stick to the plan and hope for a positive result this time. The attacking midfielders should be Etienne Capoue and Valon Behrami. And Tom Cleverley is seen in a more central position now with his good height and technique.
Attack
The flanks should be taken by M’Baye Niang and Daryl Janmaat. And the attack is expected to be spearheaded by skipper Troy Deeney. Deeney had a horrible game last time as his own goal sunk Watford against Palace and he would hope things turn out differently this time.
