TJ Lovenduski
2015/16 Finish: 13
Last season was definitely a success for Watford. They avoided relegation and surprised many by finishing 13th. Their core of Ighalo and Cathcart both played great soccer and were huge reasons for their success. They’ll need to at least match those performances this season.
Transfers In: Isaac Success (RW), Christian Kabasele (CB), Brice Dja Djedje (RB), Jerome Sinclair (CF), Camilo Zuniga (FB)
It’s clear that Watford has looked to add more attacking threats in this window. Isaac Success is just twenty and scored 6 goals in 30 appearances for Granada last season. He should definitely be able to provide Deeney with more support. Sinclair adds another attacking threat and Zuniga brings in some needed experience. Ultimately, Watford has added much needed depth to their squad with some young talent that has potential to do some damage.
Transfers Out: Almen Abdi (AM), Steven Berghuis (RW), Gabriele Angella (CB), Daniel Pudil (LB), Joel Ekstrand (CB), Josh Doherty (FB), George Byers (MF), Jose Manuel Jurado (AM)
Almen Abdi will be the biggest loss felt by Watford this upcoming season. He appeared in 32 Premier League games last season, as an attacking midfielder. Jose Manuel Jurado, is another attacking midfielder that’s left this season after appearing in 27 games last season. It’ll be interesting to see how the loss of two attacking midfielders impacts them this season. It may be something that they look to address before the window closes.
Key Player(s): Troy Deeney and Craig Cathcart
Troy Deeney is without a key figure of this Watford side. He’s a strong striker who netted 13 goals in 38 appearances last season. He’s the captain and needs to lead his side. But, fortunately, Deeney isn’t alone. Craig Cathcart has also emerged as a leader and a vital member of their defense. Both players will need to have good seasons in 2016/17.
Predicted 2016/17 Finish: 16
Unfortunately for Watford, we see them regressing this season. The league was undoubtedly weak last season and we don’t see them having the same luck this year. Other teams have made better moves and just look to be in a better position to improve. That being said, Watford has the potential to pull out some upsets this season. Ighalo and Deeney are both proven goal scorers and should be able to pounce on mistakes made by other teams, likely stealing them a few points.
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