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EPL: 4 things to watch in Watford’s 2018-19 season

By Orri Benatar

STEVENAGE, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Andre Gray of Watford FC celebrates after scoring their first goal during the pre-season friendly between Stevenage and Watford at The Lamex Stadium on July 27, 2018 in Stevenage, England. (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images)
STEVENAGE, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Andre Gray of Watford FC celebrates after scoring their first goal during the pre-season friendly between Stevenage and Watford at The Lamex Stadium on July 27, 2018 in Stevenage, England. (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images) /
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The Hornets had a see-saw campaign last year. They will look for consistency in 2018-19 as they seek to remain in the Premier League.

Watford finished 14th last season in a pretty down year. They lacked goalscorers, had multiple managers, and very few wins in 2017-18. The new season brings new hope for Watford, but not without its challenges. Here are four things to watch in their 2018-19 season. Also, here is a quick preview podcast we did on the “Top Flight Podcast”.

The new Iron Horse

Richarlison played almost every single match in the Premier League last season for Watford. The only player for the Hornets to do that is now on Everton. Manager Javi Gracia will need to find that new iron horse player that will be reliable and fit enough to play in more than 35 games at least next season.

Potential candidates include Tom Cleverly and Abdoulaye Doucoure. Both are important midfielders for the squad and can appear in many games during the course of the season. In Watford’s current situation, I feel survival in the EPL is the top priority over a cup run.

Troy Deeney’s comeback season

The legendary Watford striker is preparing for his ninth season with the club. The 30-year old from Birmingham scored just five goals last season in 29 league appearances. Last year was the first time since 2010-11 that Troy Deeney had under 10 goals in a season.

This year, he must become the talisman once again. Richarlison and Andre Carillo are gone and Andre Gray can’t carry the scoring load in the EPL. Deeney must have a comeback season in order to keep Watford’s chances of survival high.

Deulofeu playing like a Barca player

The Hornets front office had something to cheer about this summer when Gerard Deulofeu became a member of the club permanently. The former Barcelona player had loan spells with Everton, Sevilla, and AC Milan before coming to Watford. Now, the 24-year old Spaniard has the chance to prove his talent and become a Barcelona player at Vicarage Road.

Without Richarlison, the creative duties will belong to Deulofeu and he will regularly get first-team football when he is healthy. He is the X-factor player for Watford this season.

The breakout English stars

This season will also be a chance to see the maturation in the play of young English players Nathaniel Chalobah and Will Hughes. Both are 23-years old and could make more first-team appearances this season.

Next. 5 things to watch in Fulham's 18-19 season. dark

Chalobah was hopping around the Championship while at Chelsea and then was sold to Watford last season. He played six games all year. Will Hughes made 15 appearances for Watford last season and became a regular in the midfield. With a good season and more game time from both, an England call-up is possible and wins for the Hornets can become more frequent.

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