Manager Transition:
Watford have had a series of managers over the recent past changing five managers within the span of two years. Javi Gracia was the manager at the start of the 19-20 season after a good run last season, finishing runners up in the 18-19 FA Cup. However, at the Premier league he had a horrific start to kickoff the new season managing only 2 points in his first 6 games with a huge loss of 8-0 at the Ethiad. He was replaced with immediate effect by Quique Sanchez Florez. Flores also failed managing them as he earned only 6 points in the 8 games he managed. Hayden Mullins took over as the caretaker and his first game also ended in a loss to the Hornets.
Nigel Pearson was appointed during the month of December and this decision made by the management seemed to be a match made in heaven for them. The ex Leicester City manager has managed 6 games now and has already had more points than the other 3 managers combined. 11 points in 6 games with wins over Manchester United, Villa and Wolves in the span of 10 days addition of a draw away to Sheffield seems to be a promising start to his Watford Managerial Career.
System:
The arrival of Nigel Pearson not only has improved the team to perform better. It has also shown us some individual performances which would make us think from the FPL point of view. He has tuned the team to play a 4-2-3-1 formation and has also provided free roles to the players according to the style of play.
Watford’s front four have been in sizzling form firing goals in as many matches. Troy Deeney, Gerard Deulofeu, Ismaila Sarr and Aboulaye Doucoure all have come out good in this new system.
In the next five fixtures, their only tough game will be home to Spurs at the Vicarage Road on the 18th of January. Hence, addition of any of the front 4 from the Hornets will be a boost to your FPL Team.
FPL Watford Preview:
Deeney (6.2m) or Deulofeu (6.1m) will be the perfect cheap budget beast that you’re looking at. Deeney has had 3 goals in his last 4 games and Deulofeu has managed 2 goals and 1 assist in his last 4 games.
If you are looking out for midfield options, Ismaila Sarr (6.2m) is the best option. The Senegal international has 2 goals and 2 assists in his last 4 games. He has been producing promising returns since the arrival of Pearson. However, if you wish to go on a gamble or if low on budget, Doucoure is the man. At 5.6m he plays the number 10 role in this new system has also scored the crucial goal v Wolves last gameweek. He could turn out in either way but his contribution the team never ceases to fade away.
Watford defenders FPL :
Three clean sheets in the last 6 games is a pretty good stat for a team that is currently placed in the 19th position. All the three clean sheets have come from home games. In their next 5 fixtures, they have 3 away and 2 home games where they play Spurs and the Toffees at Vicarage Road. Watford have only 1 away clean sheet the whole season as they went on to beat Norwich 0-2. With Kabasele suspended, Janmatt and Prodl still out due to injuries, Watford’s defence is quite easy to break. Thus Watford defenders are not advisable to keep or transfer into your FPL team right now. Dawson, Cathcart, Mariappa, Femenia/ Holebas are expected to start in the upcoming games with the addition of Ben Foster behind them.
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Ashwin Kalyan
Latest posts by Ashwin Kalyan (see all)
- Manchester United Assets- FPL Analysis - July 2, 2020
- Watford Assests- Manager Transition,System,FPL Selections - January 8, 2020
