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Three hopes, one fear: Watford FC

By Sean Maslin

WATFORD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: The Shirt back of Isaac Success of Watford during the Premier League match between Watford and Arsenal at Vicarage Road on August 27, 2016 in Watford, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)
WATFORD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: The Shirt back of Isaac Success of Watford during the Premier League match between Watford and Arsenal at Vicarage Road on August 27, 2016 in Watford, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images) /
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WATFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Diego Costa of Chelsea has his shirt pulled by Sebastian Prodl of Watford during the Premier League match between Watford and Chelsea at Vicarage Road on August 20, 2016 in Watford, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
WATFORD, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Diego Costa of Chelsea has his shirt pulled by Sebastian Prodl of Watford during the Premier League match between Watford and Chelsea at Vicarage Road on August 20, 2016 in Watford, England. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images) /

Hope #2: That they will have another standout year in defense.

The main reason why Watford were so successful was because of their stifling defensive work. The Hornets conceded just 50 goals last season, which was seventh lowest in the Premier League. Although that might still sound like quite a few goals, consider this: the club only allowed more than two goals in a match last season four times.

Considering two of those were against Arsenal, one was against West Ham United in London, and the final one was against a Norwich side at the end of the season when the Canaries were fighting relegation and Watford were getting ready to go to the beach that is not too shabby.

Although the club did make some additions on the attack that should lead to more goals, Mazzarri’s side will still heavily rely on the physical play of their defense. Sebastian Prodl, Juan Carlos Paredes, Craig Cathcart, and Allan Nyom all played prominent roles last season at imposing their will on their opponents and limiting the work of goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes. In particular their work at limiting passing lanes and producing timely tackles made them a difficult side to break.

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The question is now can they do this for a second season? The club lost Nyom in the offseason to West Bromwich Albion and it will be interesting to see where Younes Kaboul fits into the side. The good news is that thus far Cathcart and Max Britos have done a solid job at center-back. Kaboul has only played once this season but showed some promise against Arsenal.

Although results thus far have been less than desirable the hope is that Watford’s defense can put in another professional effort and stay in the Premier League.

Next: Hope #3: That Heurelho Gomes' second act can continue.

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