Three hopes, one fear: Watford FC
By Sean Maslin
Watford FC avoided becoming another yo-yo club in the Premier League. Do they have enough to stay alive in year two?
Year one of the Premier League can often be very easy. Although there are certainly clubs that are relegated within one year, those that can find success are often able to build off of it and make a lengthy run in England’s top table. Last season, Watford FC (12-9-17, 45 points) fought, scratched, and clawed to finish thirteenth in the league and stay in the Premier League. Will they be able to do the same this season?
On the surface, it looks like their chances are good. Buoyed by additional revenue from the Premier League’s new television contract The Hornets spent the offseason making significant upgrades to their roster. Although the club may rue the loss of Almen Abdi, adding Isaac Success and Roberto Pereyra should give Watford at least a fighting chance to stay up and possibly dream bigger.
But questions remain as to the identity of this squad. Under the ownership Gino Pozzo Watford have adopted a model very similar to that Udinese, Pozzo’s other club. Although they have been successful in getting promoted the club has struggled to make any sort of an impact in the Premier League.
The hope is that new coach Walter Mazzarri can be the one to put everything together and to turn Watford into a consistent Premier League side. But the fear is that Mazzarri has been handed a team of mismatched parts and that he doesn’t have the experience to keep this team in the top flight.
So what are the three hopes and fears of Watford FC? Read on!
Next: Hope #1: That Roberto Pereyra can spark Watford's attack.