Hornets prepare for Silva return

Watford clash with Everton on Saturday afternoon in what marks the first return of former Watford boss Marco Silva to Vicarage Road.

The two teams are only separated by one place and one point in the Premier League table, Watford in eighth place and Everton in ninth, but you feel Saturday’s fixture represents more than league standings to the loyal fans of the Hornets.

When Marco Silva took over the Watford hot-seat ahead of the start of the 2017/18 campaign, many were optimistic about the Portuguese manager’s appointment. The Hornets were sitting in fourth by mid-October and flying in the league.

That high-flying start was brought to a halt by the “unwarranted approach from a Premier League rival” which saw “a significant deterioration in both focus and results to the point where the long-term future of Watford FC has been jeopardised” which Watford cited in their statement when departing with the Portuguese coach.

The approach from Everton, who Watford later threatened to sue, certainly caused Silva to lose focus on his task at hand, as he then only picked up 11 points from 16 matches, leaving the Hornets in relegation trouble.

Javi Gracia was the man appointed in January 2018 to comfortably steer them away from trouble and the Spaniard has since gone on to become the longest-serving Watford manager in the Premier League.

Silva is sure to be met with a frosty reception at what could already be a cold Vicarage Road with his popularity not his only headache going into the game.

The former Hull and Olympiacos manager is ready for anything come Saturday’s game.

Everton are looking to avoid a third-consecutive league defeat with their boss knowing a win would ease mounting pressure on his own position.

Richarlison scored five league goals last season for Watford. He’s already doubled that figure in Everton colours this campaign. (Photo: Premier League)

One of the breakout stars of last season’s Premier League campaign, Richarlison, will also return to his former stomping ground. The Brazilian left Watford after only one season to reunite with his old manager in a £40 million deal and should expect the same treatment as Silva.

Gracia insisted that his players focus was on the match and nothing else stating:

“We are thinking about the shapes, the players, how we can defend, how we can attack. Not about the coaches.”

A positive result for Watford would end their run of no win in four matches and they will be encouraged by their recent results against the Toffees.

They are looking for a third consecutive home victory over the Merseyside club, a feat they have never achieved against a single opponent.

Watford’s home form of late will concern Gracia with only eight points claimed out of a possible 27, after winning their opening three at Vicarage Road.

Everton seek a second consecutive away win for the first time since September 2016 and have all of their attacking options available coming into the fixture.

The home side could be without two key men coming into the clash. Star midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure (knee) and winger Roberto Pereyra (hamstring) face late fitness tests, with Watford fans hopeful they will feature.

Meanwhile, Kiko Femenia (hamstring), Sebastian Prodl (knee) and Isaac Success (hamstring) are also out of the fixture as they continue their recoveries.

The tie is set up to a fiery encounter with more than points on the line for the home faithful, who will be sure to want to send Silva and Richarlison back to Merseyside empty-handed.