Tottenham seek fresh start as they host lowly Watford

With an international break now having concluded, Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham look to kickstart their season as they face Watford.

It’s a been a testing start to the season for both Tottenham and Watford, who have failed to live up to expectations so far. The visitors Watford are the only side to have changed manager this campaign, former Hornets boss Quique Sánchez Flores replacing Javi Gracia after a run of four defeats in their opening four fixtures.

Spurs have stayed loyal to their custodian Pochettino but have faced criticism after league defeats to Newcastle and Brighton as well as a Champions League drubbing at the hands of Bayern Munich. Spurs will see this as an ideal chance to start again, facing a Watford side low on form and confidence.

The statistics also favour the home side. Tottenham have won their last nine top-flight home matches against Flores’ men and boast the fourth-best home record in the league despite their poor form. Watford seek their first away win at a ‘top six’ side since a win away at Spurs’ north London rivals Arsenal in January 2017.

Team news

Tottenham continue to monitor the progress of Ryan Sessegnon and Giovani Lo Celso as the summer signings edge towards a first-team return. Captain Hugo Lloris will also be absent after dislocating his elbow in the defeat at Brighton. Christian Eriksen is also a doubt with a dead leg sustained on international duty.

Watford will be without four players ahead of their trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Étienne Capoue (back), Sebastian Prödl (hamstring), Troy Deeney (knee) and Isaac Success (groin) continue their recoveries.

Home manager – Mauricio Pochettino

Pochettino seemed determined to turn the club’s fortunes around when speaking to journalists ahead of the fixture:

“After two defeats, because we beat Southampton with 10 men and played a fantastic first half against Bayern Munich, then we conceded seven goals.

“Then for different circumstances against Brighton it was a terrible game to accept and it was tough. When you assess all the circumstances were very tough against us.

“In this type of situation the most important thing is to be all together and show a strong face to the problems. Face the problems and talk a lot because the most important thing is that players feel support and trust from the manager.

“That belief is important. I trust 200 per cent in them and believe that they have the capacity and potential to win the games and turn this situation around. This type of situation happens at all clubs sooner or later.

“We have confidence that we have the quality. Only a matter of time to make things clear. We need to help them perform because they are the principal actors on the pitch who will provide the victories.”

Away manager – Quique Sánchez Flores

Pochettino’s counterpart heaped praise on the Spurs’ boss ahead of the clash:

“I love him, he is the best coach in the Premier League in the last four years, this is my opinion,

“When I was (previously) at Watford I thought he was the best coach in the way he moved the team and the way the team played.

“Of course now it is a difficult moment for him and for the team, but for me he is the best coach in the last four years in the Premier League.”

Head-to-head

PLAYED 12

TOTTENHAM 8

WATFORD 1

DRAWS 3