A change in the managerial position has brought in some stability for Watford as they find themselves in the 11th position on the league table currently. However, they are still just four points above the relegation zone and have to be on their toes in the coming weeks. Against Everton though, they might fancy their chances as the Toffees have been worryingly inconsistent despite loosening their pockets in the last two transfer windows.
Team News:
Tommie Hoban is a long-term absentee as his ACL injury has kept him out of the entire season until now. Kiko Femenia has missed matches ever since the first half of December owing to his hamstring injury and is not near a return to first-team action. However, players, namely Miguel Britos and Will Hughes are close to returning and might be fit to feature in the squad against Everton. It remains to be seen if Javi Gracia risks them altogether or goes with the impressive Will Hughes. Nathaniel Chalobah and Tom Cleverley are still sidelined though.
Formation: 3-4-3
Defence:
Orestis Karnezis will start between the posts as he has regularly played since 20th January. He had let in three goals against Everton in November and would hope to avoid something similar this time around.
Sebastian Prodl has been one of the consistent figures in Hornets’ backline this season as his reading of the game makes him a notable figure at the back. He will be flanked by Adrian Mariappa and Jose Holebas on either side. Both these defenders are crucial to Watford’s performances at the back and currently remain the best choices for the manager to choose from.
Midfield:
Daryl Janmaat and Marvin Zeegelaar will be the two wingbacks in this formation. They would try to provide width by stretching Everton’s shaky backline, whilst also putting in some decent deliveries into the box.
Etienne Capoue is a strong figure at the centre of the field as his aerial abilities combined with the ability to distribute the ball in the final third are integral to Watford’s style of play.
He will be partnered by Abdoulaye Doucoure at the centre. Doucoure has scored seven goals and assisted twice in the season so far. He has played every single game of the Premier League season and is a tireless box-to-box player as his presence combined with the technical ability in the final third helps the team to be more productive on the other side of the pitch.
Attack:
Richarlison and Gerard Deulofeu have added some amazing quality on the wings. Especially, Deulofeu, who has already scored once in three matches and was immense in Watford’s demolition of Chelsea a few weeks ago. Troy Deeney will continue to lead the line, though his goal-scoring form has been worrying of late.
