Football Season Guide

Watford had very successful last season with the top half finish in the league accompanied by a memorable FA Cup campaign that saw the Hornets reaching the final for the first time in nearly 30 years. In the end no silverware was won, but nonetheless the results and displays were impressive. Coach Gracia hasn’t lost anyone important so far in the transfer window, and the interesting partnership Deeney-Deulofeu in attack is promising to be causing all sorts of problems to defences again. Defender Dawson is the only notable new arrival, with his signing suggesting that in some matches Watford might be tempted to go for 5 at the back. Especially against the Big 6, the Hornets were way too exposed last term, and a more defensive approach could only improve their results in such fixtures. Watford played some modern football last season and this should continue with the abundance of talent in midfield all gifted passers, plus the full-backs are all aggressive attack-minded players. The Hornets have a big squad and targeting another long run in the 2 cup competitions is likely, with Watford also looking well covered for pretty much every position on the pitch if injuries occur. Gracia is also known for his extra work on set pieces, with most of the defenders proven goalscorers from dead-ball deliveries, and Holebas one of the most accurate crossers from such situations. Last season only Liverpool, Chelsea and Crystal Palace registered more shots on goal from set pieces.