Watford had a miserable start to their 2019-20 Premier League campaign, losing 0-3 to Brighton at home. Javi Gracia’s men looked second best throughout the match and were especially toothless in front of goal. The Hornets face Everton in their second game of the season, away at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Gracia has to make a few changes to his side as well as the tactics against Everton, to get back to winning ways, as his side lost 6 of their last 10 games at the end of the Premier League last season.
Let’s take a look at 3 things Watford should do to beat Everton
Target Everton’s central midfield
Everton began their season with a disappointing draw against Crystal Palace, but what will be even more upsetting for manager Marco Silva is the injury to star midfielder Andre Gomes, who had to be substituted just before half time in their game against Crystal Palace. With Gomes’ injury and Morgan Schneiderlin’s red card later in the match, the Toffees may be without two of their starting midfielders which could force Silva to play new signing Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Tom Davies in midfield. Watford should target the central areas and put the two midfielders under pressure.
Play Deulofeu alongside Deeney
Watford’s Gerard Deulofeu had a disappointing game against Brighton and was brought off by Gracia at half time and replaced with Roberto Pereyra. The Spaniard can be an influential player for the side on his day, with his pace and dribbling.
Last week, he played was out wide, but Gracia should switch things around and play Deulofeu in and around Troy Deeney, to use knockdowns and passes to get in behind the Everton defence. Pereyra should move to the attacking midfield/wide role that Deulofeu played in last time around and make runs and passes from central areas.
Add new signings to the team
Gracia played one summer signing, Craig Dawson, against Brighton, but the former West Bromwich defender did not have a good game. But, Dawson is experienced and will bounce back soon. Gracia should start new signing Ismaïla Sarr, who is an exciting player that can play on the wings or as a centre-forward and can light the game up with his dribbling and pace. With Watford showing terrible form, Gracia could probably start Sarr against Everton and give him the freedom to play in and around the strikers, which could work for them.
