Watford (H) Preview
Brady Frost, Feature Writer
Twitter: @brady0894
Source for image above: HTAFC
A Premier League squad, Ismaila Sarr and ‘The King of Sweden’. Andy from Watford fan channel The Hornets' Nest explains all in our latest match preview.
Issac Mbenza should have squared it to Juninho Bacuna but it’s not a match that Huddersfield deserved to win. That’s all we can really say about the midweek game against Coventry and with the congested Christmas fixture list, it’s no surprise that some of the matches are proving to be a drab affair.
The games just keep on coming and Town entertain recently relegated Watford at the John Smith’s Stadium. The Hornets travel to Huddersfield sitting third in the table and just six points off the top, yet it might not be the walkover for the away side that you’d expect.
In Watford’s nine away games this season, they’ve only picked up two wins, against Birmingham and Derby, and have only scored four goals in those nine matches. Given the quality in their squad, that’s a bit of surprise. So to learn more, we caught with Andy Lewers from Watford fan channel The Hornets' Nest to see what’s happened with Watford since their relegation.
Watford manager Vladimir Ivić has made Watford more defensively minded since their relegation. Photo source: Watford
What have you made of your season so far?
From the outside looking in you’d be forgiven for calling me arrogant if I said our season so far had been underwhelming, despite sitting third in the table following relegation. While we’ve got a solid foundation to build upon, performances have left a lot to be desired and it’s never really felt like the squad we have are completely settled, which has resulted in some very lacklustre performances and stumbling over the finish line in many games. Some overly defensive displays have meant watching Watford has been a tough ask for large parts of the season. That being said, we are third in the table, so perhaps I should be careful what I wish for...
What are your general expectations for the rest of the season now that we’re well underway?
The expectation from the start was and still is promotion, anything less will be seen as a disappointment from both the board and the fans.
Vladimir Ivić seems to have made Watford a lot more defensive in their play than expected, how has his approach gone down with Watford fans and are you happy with the manager so far?
I personally am happy so far; he came into a very difficult situation – a squad very low on confidence following relegation, a dressing room that was being ruled by certain players and uncertainty surrounding multiple players about whether they were staying or going during the summer and so strengthening our defence, given that was our downfall last season, can only be a good thing. This has come at a cost to our attacking threat, however, with the likes of Deeney, Perica, Sarr and Pedro, Watford are still able to pose a huge problem for opposition teams going forwards.
Some fans are starting to become restless about the defensive displays and perhaps it’s due to Watford’s recent history of being unafraid to sack Head Coaches that we have become accustomed to change as fans, which is why some are very quick to point the finger at the Head Coach and want him to go. I think at some point though the fingers need to be pointed at the players.
Ismaila Sarr is the one to watch from the game on Saturday. Photo source: Ismalia Sarr
Which player from your current squad do you think will be one to watch this season?
We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have been able to hold on to some Premier League quality players following relegation; Ben Foster, Troy Deeney, Etienne Capoue to name a few and even bring in Nigerian captain William Troost-Ekong, who has impressed so far.
The one to watch however has to be Ismaila Sarr. I think we were all shocked that we’ve managed to keep him for the season. If Watford are able to sort out their balance between defensive stability and attacking threat then Sarr could have a very rewarding season.
The team brought in a couple of players over the transfer window, have you been impressed with the business, and have any of your new signings made a difference so far or you think will do well?
Watford’s main business over the summer was keeping hold of a core number of players, rather than bringing new ones in. However a few of the newbies have impressed so far; Ken Sema has come back from his loan spell a new man and has earned his nickname “The King of Sweden”, William Troost-Ekong has looked settled and seems to be a very competent defender who can read the game well and right back Jeremy Ngakia has partnered well with Sarr and Femenia, to provide Watford a much-needed second option on the flanks.
What are you expecting from the game against Huddersfield?
I’m expecting a very scrappy game of few chances on Saturday. Watford have kept three clean sheets in their last three games on the road, but have only scored once in that time as well and that was from the penalty spot! I imagine Huddersfield will see this as an opportunity to pick up some points if they can get their noses in front. I’m not expecting it to be a classic!
Troy Deeney has scored two penalties in his last two games. Photo source: Watford
Is there anything Huddersfield need to be on the lookout for in this game?
Attention should be given to setting up defensively quickly after losing possession, as Watford struggle to break teams down and against Brentford on Tuesday were very slow to counter-attack. However, should Watford see an opportunity to get either Sarr or Sema in behind the defence then you could be in trouble.
What are Watford’s weaknesses, is there anything Huddersfield can take advantage of?
Five of Watford’s 13 goals conceded this season have been from set-pieces (not including penalties). We’ve never looked confident defending set-pieces and so I would recommend that’s the best route to scoring.
What are your expectations for Huddersfield Town this season?
Good enough to stay up, not good enough for the play-offs. Your results have shown you can take points off the teams around you and so I would anticipate a season of mid-table obscurity, sorry!
What’s your score prediction for the game?
While I’m not expecting it to be a classic I would hope Watford have enough about them to win the game. At some point, we need to put in a good performance away from home and I’m hoping this will be it. I’ll go for a 3-1 Watford win, though it honestly wouldn’t surprise me if you walk away with all three points!
How do you think Huddersfield will get on against Watford? Let us know in the comments!
Our Predictions:
Brady: 2-2.
Kosi: 2-0 win for Watford.
Matt: 1-0 win for Watford.
Neil: 3-1 win for Watford.
Pozza: 3-1 win for Watford.
Si: 3-0 win for Watford.
Scoring system: A correct score wins three points, a correct result wins a point.
