Watford’s shock Top 4 quest might have been short-lived but there is no doubt that the Hornets are here to do serious business this season. A run of four consecutive wins at the start of the season made everybody sit up but two losses and a draw in the subsequent 3 fixtures have settled things somewhat.
But while picking up a win will be crucial in the weekend encounter against Bournemouth, Javi Gracia will know that they have a solid base on which to build their season now. Their bench strength is enviable and the unity and camaraderie within the squad are at an all-time high.
Watford face Bournemouth, Wolves, Huddersfield Town, Newcastle and Southampton in their next five matches. The Cherries and the Wolves are in good form and will be hard to beat but Gracia will be backing his team to get positive results in each of the five fixtures starting with Bournemouth tomorrow.
TEAM NEWS
The manager will have a decision to make regarding the right-back spot with Daryl Janmaat and Marc Navarro ruled out through injury. Aside from the duo, only Tom Cleverley is still out which means that Gerard Deulofeu, Miguel Britos, Stefano Okaka and Sebastian Prodl will be available for selection tomorrow.
PREDICTED WATFORD LINEUP TO FACE BOURNEMOUTH (4-4-2)
DEFENCE
Ben Foster will start in goal. He has started all 7 matches but has kept a clean sheet in only one of those, in the opening game against Brighton. That is something the entire defence will like to improve upon going forward in the season.
Kiko Femenia is favourite to start at right-back even though Gracia talked up the versatility of Mariappa and Cathcart. The Spaniard has played just 54 minutes so far in the league but will not get too much time to settle in. Craig Cathcart and Christian Kabasele will start in central defence. Cathcart has scored a goal and an own goal already this season but he will look to keep the in-form Bournemouth defence at bay with Kabasele by his side.
Jose Holebas will start at left-back. He has been excellent going forward this season scoring one goal and providing four assists. He will have to work on his discipline though as he is already on 4 yellows 7 games in.
MIDFIELD
The central midfield duo of Etienne Capoue and Abdoulaye Doucoure has been solid thus far. Both are yet to get their names on the scoresheet in the league but have been effective going forward in terms of assists. Will Hughes has one goal and one assist and will start on the right flank. On the left, Roberto Pereyra will take his place and will look to add to his tally of three goals and one assist.
ATTACK
Andre Gray will start up front alongside Troy Deeney. Gray has 3 goals and will fancy his chances against the Cherries. Deeney has two goals and an assist and will be keen to lead his team to their first win in four games.
FOSTER
FEMENIA-CATHCART-KABASELE-HOLEBAS
HUGHES-DOUCOURE-CAPOUE-PEREYRA
DEENEY-GRAY
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored
