Watford: Season Preview

The Hornets are embarking on a fifth consecutive Premier League season for the first time in their history. Much of that credit has to go to Italian owners the Pozzo’s who, despite their ruthless approach, have built a stable side looking to slowly progress and force their way into the top 7. Will this be the year for the Hertfordshire side?

Watford celebrating after scoring against Burnley last season

How did they fare last season?

Javi Gracia’s men finished last season in a disappointing fashion after being battered 6-0 by the leagues standout performers, Manchester City. However, the season can be looked back on with great memories as the side can take solace after reaching their second FA Cup Final in their history and were in good contention for a Europa League spot until attention turned to the final and understandably so. Notable results from last season include the 100% winning start to the season after four games, a 5-1 away thumping of Cardiff and that sensational comeback against Wolves in the FA Cup Semi-Final. Finishing in 11th was frustrating to many Watford fans after battling away for 7th all year but towards the end, the focus became too much on the Final.

Who is the Hornets key man?

Abdoulaye Doucoure is in for another important season at Vicarage Road. After impressing for the last two seasons with great consistency in performances Watford has done very well to keep their starman on the books for another season despite interest from elsewhere. The midfielder has an excellent box-to-box ability where he never stops running and is always looking to get onto the ball drive the teams attack forward. His partnership with Etienne Capoue was masterful last season and the two Frenchmen complement each other’s strengths and work very well together. Seemingly, when Doucoure plays well the whole team follows and that is a sign of a great player. If Watford can hold onto the £40million pound man for the whole season then they may have a good chance of securing their highest Premier League finish.

Who is Watford’s marquee summer signing?

Craig Dawson, pictured upon signing for Watford

Many Watford fans were relieved to see the signing of a new centre back as that has been a key area needed for improvement for many seasons now. The capture of Craig Dawson may not be the most jaw-dropping signing but he will certainly do the job for the Hornets. The Englishman has already garnered Premier League experience with the Baggies but his latest season with the Midlands club wasn’t so successful. Watford fans are hoping it was just a blip in his career and he will be back to his ways under Javi Gracia. Partnering alongside Craig Cathcart for the season will solidify a stable and experienced backline for Watford.

Watford’s key fixtures:

Watford will open the season in the exact way they did last year with a home tie against the Seagulls. Gracia will be hoping for a mirrored performance as Watford coasted to victory with Pererya stealing the show with a wonder strike. The first away trip follows the week after as they head up to Merseyside where they face Everton in a newly formed grudge match. The boxing day fixture sees a trip to newly-promoted Sheffield United and their first game in the new year will be against Wolves in a highly contested match up. The season will finish with a repeat of the FA Cup final at Vicarage Road and then followed by the ‘Cojones Derby’ at the Emirates to wrap up the season. 

Where will Watford finish come May?

I believe the Hornets will be preparing to embark on a 6th Premier League season for the 2020/21 season. Keeping Javi Gracia is integral to plans as his fantastic coaching ability with players is a highlight. Watford will once again give the FA Cup a go but will fall short much earlier in the competition than last year. If Watford can secure the services of Ismalia Sarr then the chances of a top 7 finish look more likely but even with that signing, I feel the teams around Watford have strengthened heavily compared to the Hornets. I will be predicting a 10th place finish for Watford, a one-place improvement on last season. 

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