This weekend West Ham travel to take on Watford, just above us in the alphabet, and a short hop on a train from Euston. We already have 1 point on the board, three games earlier than we did last season. With Watford appearing to be weakened we may just get a victory. Ahead of the game I spoke to Jon Southwood, from Watford fansite GloryHorns to discuss the match and the season.
Hi Jon, like us you’ve had a poor start to the season. Losing away against Everton is not totally unexpected, but you must have been shocked to lose against Brighton on the opening day! What happened there?
It was a shocker! A horrible debut from Craig Dawson and below par performances from the whole team really. Very disappointing since pre-season had seemed well organised with several promising results against decent European opposition, Just one of those games where it all went wrong,
You seem to have been quite busy on the transfer/loan front during the close season, which of these do you think will cement their place in the team?
I think Craig Dawson will be a good signing and assuming he plays more like he did against Everton than Brighton will quickly become a fixture,
Danny Welbeck is obviously quality but has had his injury problems, I’d imagine if he stays fit he’d be in but we’ll have to wait and see . You guys had Andy Carroll so you’ll know what I mean. We’ve not seen Ismaila Sarr in Watford colours yet due to his involvement in AFCON but he certainly looks exciting and we could definitely do with an out and out winger.
Last season went quite well for you, especially getting through to the cup final: apart from this, what were your own particular highlights?
Beating Spurs early on was a great result. I couldn’t get to the game but watched it live in a pub packed full of Spurs fans with my lad and I being the only Orns there was special. especially since I’d advised all the early mockers that they could well be in for a tougher game than they bargained for.
What most depressed you during last season?
The drive home to Devon from Wembley…nuff said!
Yes I remember that feeling after our heart-breaking loss to Liverpool in Cardiff. Last year you finished just behind us, where do you think Watford and West Ham will sit in the table come May?
I’d imagine much of the same but I hope both of us would be 7th and 8th…us 7th obvs.
You will obviously hold Brighton in high regard, but who are your ultimate picks for the top four places in order?
Liverpool, City, Spurs, Arsenal
Likewise, which three teams are going to fall by the wayside and end up being relegated?
Newcastle, Villa and Sheffield United
From afar, Javi Garcia, seems to be doing a sound job for you as Watford manager, but what do the fans think of him?
I think he’s generally popular amongst the fans. He engages well with supporters, has the team playing decent football, is a good man manager and seems to have the respect and trust of the players. Glad the Pozzos have stuck with after all (many enforced ) changes.
Which team do you least look looking forward to playing against and why?
Manchester City. Throughout my years as a Watford fan , all 44 of them, encounters with them were never great. Many of those were in lower divisions as until Sheik whoever took over they were definitely in the shadow of United.I don’t remember the Franny Lee era and they were in relative obscurity for perhaps 3 decades. They didn’y ahve particular stars that I recall, Tommy Hutchison’s goal being the only notable thing in that time. So encounters with them were invariably dull as I recall. Roll on to today and they are just too good. You don’t go into a game against giving yourself a hope in hell. The talent they have in depth is incredible. That said, I think Liverpool may just pip them this year as they have improved immeasurably under Klopp and are smarting from missing out on the Premiership. City will win everything else though
How do you think Watford will line up against West Ham this weekend? Prediction for lineup.
FosterJanmaat Dawson Cathcart Holebas
Hughes Capou Cleverley Sarr
Deulofeo Grey
Are you confident that Watford will win this particular battle of the ’W’s on Saturday? Prediction for score?
No. I may have been this time last week but without Deeney, Doucoure and Pereyra I think you’ll win 2- 1.
Well many thanks to Jon for his time. I’m going along with his way of thinking that without Troy Deeney bullying our defence, we could just sneak a win. I’ll also go with 1 – 2 West Ham. COYI