Will Watford continue with the shape and system which brought them Saturday’s win at Sheffield Wednesday, or do they revert to the way they have played for most of the season so far when they line-up against Swansea tomorrow night?
That is the key question, and one which will largely depend on the fitness of some of the squad who are carrying knocks after the game at Hillsborough.
However, one definite change will be on the right of the defence with Ryan Porteous suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season against the Owls.
“It worked so well on Saturday and so do we continue it, that’s the big conversation that we’ve been having,” said Tom Cleverley.
“Those discussions are ongoing and we still have to wait on a couple of players who have niggles to see which system will be best at Swansea.
“We have one or two are carrying knocks that we’re hoping to manage through this busy week.
“Angelo Ogbonna, Jeremy Ngakia and Tom Dele-Bashiru won’t be back until after the international break, and then Porteous is suspended tomorrow because he picked up a fifth yellow card, and so is Moussa Sissoko.”
The Hornets head coach revealed that the change of shape for Saturday’s win was agreed upon at the start of last week.
“It was on the Tuesday,” he said.
“We gather as a staff and prepare the game plan for the next game, and we all committed to do something about how much we have struggled against back threes playing our system.
“With Sheffield Wednesday being a back three, it fell nicely for us to make that change.”
One player who missed out totally at Hillsborough on Saturday was Ryan Andrews, who didn’t even make it onto the bench.
“Ryan was one of those who maybe lost out a little bit from the change of system,” Cleverley explained.
“We played with Porteous as a more defensive-minded right-back in the back four, and we had Kevin Keben who gave us an option there as well as cover for the centre-backs.
“Festy Ebosele is in a really good moment, and because I like players on the bench who ideally can cover two positions – which Keben can do – Ryan I didn’t think was needed as much at the weekend.
“But he’s a big part of this club and will be part of its future. Now it’s down to him to knuckle down and win his place back.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel