Tottenham face big test against in-form Watford side

Tottenham will have to be on top form for this afternoon’s match against Watford, who, aside from Liverpool, are the league’s hottest team in the last five games.

Dwelling in last place after 14 matches, Nigel Pearson was appointed as the new Watford manager. His first match in charge was a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool. Since that loss, only the unbeaten leaders have taken more points in the Premier League than Pearson’s Watford side, who now sit a point above the relegation zone.

So, what specific challenges does Jose Mourinho and his Tottenham side face?

Absorbing pressure and breaking on the counter

Watford is not a team that thrives on possession. During their sizzling run, Watford have kept possession of less than 40 percent twice, yet triumphed over two top half sides. They also took a share of the spoils from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in October. A well organized defensive, Watford prefer to concede possession and counter.

Watford have only given up four goals in the six games since Pearson took charge, half of which came in the loss to Liverpool. This is despite not once controlling possession. Watford will do their utmost to frustrate Spurs by absorbing pressure and pushing the envelope on the counter. The impetus is on Spurs take their chances and penetrate Watford’s recently stingy defence.

Hornets take their chances

The Hornets have taken 64 shots during their five-match unbeaten streak, an average of more than 12 per game. And they aren’t merely pot shots from distance, as more than 30 percent are on target (20 of 64).

Watford are averaging four shots on target each game over the last five. Not bad when you consider Liverpool, who are second only to Manchester United, smash six on target each match.

During this purple patch, Troy Deeney has led the line with four goals. Abdorlaye Doucoure, Ismaila Sarr, and Gerard Deulofeu have all scored twice. These goals have come primarily from counter attacks and set pieces. So Spurs must focus on stifling Deeney and those two facets of Watford’s arsenal.

Tough in the tackle

Watford have also stepped up their aggression, unsurprising when you consider the rough and tumble, unforgiving nature of their new manager. With 87 tackles, 65 fouls, and 15 cards in the last five games, the Hornets have ramped up significantly that part of their game. Southampton, who tackle the most in the league, average 19 per game, only two more than Watford’s recent barrage.

Expected starters Erik Lamela and Dele Alli need to keep their cool if things are not going their way, as they’ll be on the receiving end of a bevy of many kicks and tackles. If Tottenham can remain calm through the challenges, cards for the home side should accumulate. And that eventuality will change Watford’s strategy.

What to Expect from Tottenham

Like the draw in mid-October between the two sides, Tottenham is likely to hold most possession; the question is what they do with it. How quickly Spurs can progress the ball and how often they’ll be able to find incisive passes will influence greatly who wins.

Look for some quick passing and combination play along with the occasional long ball to push back Watford’s rearguard. If they can build on some impressive off-the-ball movement from the midweek match against Middlesbrough, Tottenham should win their first on the road since mid December.