Football Season Guide

Watford were never in real danger of relegation last season, despite finishing the campaign just above the drop-zone. However, the expectations were much higher and logically coach Walter Mazzarri was released once the campaign was over. After impressing in his short spring spell at Hull, Marco Silva was appointed in charge and the Portuguese, famous for his amazing home record as a manager, is expected to deliver a top ten finish. Silva felt that Watford needed more options in the middle of the park and he already signed three new central midfielders, with Tom Cleverley making his loan move permanent. Watford should be able to take much better care of the ball this season because of that. On top of that, the talented playmaker Roberto Pereyra is fit again after missing most of his first year in England due to a knee injury and he is without a doubt one to watch. The new gaffer is yet to settle on a formation. He has experimented with five different shapes during the pre-season but what seems certain is that up front he will be trusting captain Troy Deeney as a lone striker. When he decides to use two forwards, Stefano Okaka will likely be involved. Mauro Zarate and Isaac Success are quicker options for the games in which Watford will be using counter-attacks. Silva added an extra right-back to his squad from the second best defensive formation in La Liga last term and with all the injured centre-backs fit now he has a rich choice for his backline. Last season, Watford were definitely abandoned by luck with the problems occuring for many players operating in the same defensive position and Silva is hoping to avoid a similar thing happening again. The main weakness that Watford need to address before the end of the transfer window is the lack of options for the left flank. The only natural left footer is the full-back Jose Holebas and realistically Silva needs to sign more players that can operate successfully in that part of the pitch.