This is another season where I tipped Watford as serious contender for relegation. This time should be even harder for them than usual. Probably two most important figures left the Vicarage Road. Manager Malky Mackay (now in Cardiff) and his key man, Danny Graham (to Swansea for 3.5mill). Important midfielder, Don Cowie and winger Will Buckley also left the club. Good news are new manager is ex-assistant, Sean Dyche and he didn’t change the style of play. They have brought several players and got experience with Mark Yeates, Chris Iwelumo, David Mirfin, Craig Forsyth, Prince Buaben, but I think they lost in quality comparing with previous season. Only absence is long-term injury of Stephen McGinn. The Hornets have failed to win 10 of their last 11 Championship outings.
I guess it looks unusual for the Hamers’ fans watching them winning and being favourite before any game. They have unreal squad for the 2nd tier and obviously a failure to gain promotion would be real disaster. My concern regarding their ambitions is Big Sam (accepted the job despite announcing his ambitions to take Real or Barca) and his defensive style of play, adjusted to his previous clubs. It’s kind a weird to play 4-5-1 against injury clashed Donny where they actually should have dominated and scored an easy victory. However, they’re still a class above other teams in Championship. John Carew has been training last seven days and should be in contention. Along with Julien Faubert, Carlton Cole and George McCartney.
Bet: West Ham -0.25
Odd: 1.96 Pinnacle
Stake: 7/10
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