Tactical analysis: What to expect from Watford at Anfield
In his weekly tactical analysis blog, Paul Wilkes provides an in-depth assessment of what Liverpool are likely to come up against in their meeting with Watford this afternoon.
Watford have had an excellent start to the campaign, with the club currently seventh in the table with 10 games played. However, they are only two points better off than at this stage last season, as in 2015-16 the team fell away after the New Year.
Walter Mazzarri has replaced Quique Sanchez Flores in the manager seat, but little has changed stylistically. They still have a similar pass completion rate, amount of possession and shots on target.
The major difference has come with how this has been achieved, with Mazzarri using three centre-backs as opposed to Sanchez’s 4-4-2 system. They have also used a variety of other personnel, although the core of the side still remains.
Mazzarri has still predominantly maintained a two-man strike-force, while the defence has been a variation of the back three. There have been subtle differences in terms of formation, as the Italian has set up in six different ways.
Craig Cathcart and Sebastian Prodl are both missing until after the international break, so Miguel Britos and Younes Kaboul will have a new defensive partner. The Hornets have not conceded a goal in the last three matches, although two of those sides were newly-promoted Hull City and Middlesbrough.
Jose Holebas is comfortable at both left-back and left-midfield, which has ensured that he’s a natural fit for the wing-back position. The Greek is excellent at tackling and intercepting, and is also a strong dribbler when heading in the opposite direction.
Nordin Amrabat has started seven matches this term on the right hand side, with the more defensively minded Juan Zuniga, who played under Mazzarri at Napoli, and former Newcastle United defender Daryl Janmaat offering alternatives.
In midfield, Etienne Capoue is showing the kind of form that saw Tottenham Hotspur bring him to England initially from Toulouse. The Frenchman is very good defensively, but his four goals mean that he is currently their top scorer.
Valon Behrami is another accomplished tackler and efficient with his positional sense. Roberto Pereyra provides more creativity in the central area, but his lack of defensive solidity might mean that Adlene Guedioura is used, as he was against Arsenal and Chelsea.
The strike-force of Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney scored 76 per cent of Watford’s Premier League goals in their first season back in the top flight, and though it isn’t yet nearly as potent this time around, their physical presence and sheer strength can always cause problems for opposing defenders.
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