Antonio Conte aims for first away success as his Spurs side travel to struggling Watford on New Year’s Day

The feeling around Tottenham Hotspur is one of positivity.

15 points from a possible 21 since the appointment of Antonio Conte has breathed new life into Spurs’ challenge for Champions League qualification.

As the January transfer window approaches, the Lilywhites appear to be amongst the likeliest in the Premier League to strengthen. Conte has made no secret of the need to bolster his squad, from calling the level of Tottenham ‘not so high’ after a Europa Conference League defeat against Mura to his quotes at the press conference this week.

“After only two weeks, I said we need to improve the quality of the squad and for sure we need to improve the quality of this squad. I was sure after seven days, ten days, two weeks about this.

“For sure, the squad needs to improve quality but in an important way.” – Antonio Conte on Tottenham’s January plans

Despite their turnaround in fortunes under the Italian manager, an away win has so far eluded the new boss. Five consecutive home games, a rarity in the Premier League, provided a comfortable start either side of away draws to Everton and most recently Southampton.

The 1-1 draw at St Mary’s felt like a defeat in the dressing room according to Ben Davies with Ralph Hassenhuttl’s side down to 10 men for the entirety of the second half. For Spurs’ slight misfortune with VAR calls, they failed to muster enough openings to secure the victory against the Saints.

If there is an away ground to visit currently, Spurs will fancy their chances at Vicarage Road.

The Hornets have now lost nine games in 11 Premier League matches and sit perilously in 17th place. They will once again rely on Emmanuel Dennis to provide their goal threat with the Nigerian being directly involved in 10 goals in his last eight league matches (six goals and four assists).

News that the striker may not be heading to the African Cups of Nations will be welcomed by Watford fans as the summer signing has been involved in 65% of the goals scored in the Premier League this season.

Another four goals were shipped to West Ham last time out as Watford’s defensive issues continue, although they may take comfort from being unbeaten at home to Spurs in their last three league encounters.

No man has scored more Premier League goals on New Year’s Day than Harry Kane and the England captain is beginning to regain his form in recent weeks, netting in his last three league games.

Meanwhile, on the touchline, Conte faces off against fellow Italian Claudio Ranieri. The former Leicester title-winning manager is yet to beat his counterpart on five occasions in the Premier League and has in fact lost every match in which he has squared off against an Italian manager.

Both teams will aim for the perfect start to 2022 as they fight for their distinct objectives. Arsenal, Manchester United and West Ham battling Tottenham for the final Champions League place whilst Watford know they could slip into the bottom three imminently if they continue to fail in picking up points.

Tom Hardy will be at Vicarage Road for Watford’s Premier League fixture against Tottenham on New Year’s Day at 3pm

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