Simon Mail Reviews Watford's Season Ahead of Tottenham Match

Watford play host to Tottenham and helping preview Sunday’s match is Simon Mail of the Watford Observer, who goes over the Hornets season as well as a prediction for the game.

With Tottenham traveling to Vicarage Road to take on Watford, Simon Mail the Chief sports reporter of the Watford Observer, took time out of his day to speak with Spurs TV to preview Sunday’s upcoming match.

Tomorrow’s game will feature a Hornets side who are currently in 12th place. A position that mostly everyone is content with right now but understandably would like to improve their current form.

“I think almost all Watford fans would happily take this position.” Simon Mail said (via Spurs’ official website).

“Their form in recent weeks certainly hasn’t been impressive but the early results have given them a healthy points tally and cushion above the bottom clubs. It’s undoubtedly a decent start but I think fans will want to see improved performances heading into the new year.”

Those early points tally are due to Italian manager Walter Mazzarri who has shown he can adapt to the Premier League in just his first year.

His experience from coaching in Serie A (Napoli and Inter Milan) has proven invaluable and is paying dividends for the 55-year-old. But something that might be more impressive is Mazzarri’s willingness to be flexible with his tactics according to Simon Mail.

More from Match Previews

Just like his counterpart Mauricio Pochettino, Walter Mazzarri has had to change formations, systems, tactics, etc., to find the right formula to get the best out of his squad.

But unlike Pochettino, Mazzarri is tinkering with his team in order to get the right players in the right positions, whereas Pochettino has had to deal with major injuries. A majority of Mauricio Pochettino’s positions in his starting lineup are set in stone already.

“He has brought with him a wealth of experience from abroad, albeit he is new to the Premier League,” Mail explained.

“Mazzarri has shown a willingness to switch formations throughout games this season. He has demonstrated tactical flexibility although you do get the sense he is still trying to establish his best team and system.”

About injuries that Mauricio Pochettino’s side has been dealing with, Tottenham are mostly recovered now heading into the new year with only Érik Lamela missing tomorrow’s game. This doesn’t include Jan Vertonghen and Kyle Walker who are suspended.

Watford on the other hand can’t say the same. Their injury list is quite long with Miguel Britos inactive as well due to yellow card accumulation. Because of this, Walter Mazzarri will have no choice but to work his tactical prowess once again.

“Watford have no shortage of injury problems heading into the game after Daryl Janmaat and Valon Behrami hobbled off early on against Crystal Palace.” Simon Mail said.

“Miguel Britos will be suspended after picking up a fifth booking on Boxing Day. It means Mazzarri’s hands are tied to a large extent and the squad is being tested to the maximum presently.”

Because of the current situation that is out of Mazzarri’s hands — his players getting injured and a suspension — this is a game that should go in Spurs’ favors with Mauricio Pochettino’s side mostly 100 percent healthy playing against a depleted squad.

Next: Depleted Watford Will Improvise Against Tottenham

The Hornets who are at home will no doubt present a challenge and won’t roll over so easily against Tottenham, but the odds are against them and a win for the visitors is a plausible outcome.

“If Watford go into the match with the right intensity then they can still make life difficult for Tottenham. But the hosts are not playing particularly well and are also weakened by injuries and suspensions so I would expect Spurs to claim another win this weekend.”

Simon Mail Reviews Watford’s Season Ahead of Tottenham Match

By Alexander Balano | Dec 31, 2016

Watford play host to Tottenham and helping preview Sunday’s match is Simon Mail of the Watford Observer, who goes over the Hornets season as well as a prediction for the game.