Season Preview: Is Silva the man to bring stability to Watford?

Previous season 

Following hefty upheaval at the helm, with Walter Mazzarri the most recent managerial casualty at Watford, the Hornets’ appointment of Marco Silva suggests a change of direction for the club. Watford ended the season on a dire note and while they enjoyed their fair share of positive results, a six-match losing streak to end the campaign effectively sealed Mazzarri’s fate. Having previously started brightly before fading away in the second half of the season, the board will hope Silva can bring in an aura of consistency on the back of his move to Vicarage Road having worked well during his short stint as Hull boss. 

His first test will be a tough welcome of Liverpool, though Silva masterminded victory over the Reds last term so it’s impossible to rule out a positive Watford result in Saturday’s early kick off. 

Transfer summary 

Watford have been busy in the transfer market this week, particularly in attack, with Richarlison and Andre Gray both signing on the dotted line. Tom Cleverley’s loan move has been made permanent and there is a return to Vicarage Road for Nathaniel Chalobah. Will Hughes is another make the move to the Hornets. Sven Kums has left for Anderlecht in what was one of the more bizarre signings by Watford, while Mario Suarez has departed for the Chinese Super League following the culmination of his loan spell at Valencia. 

One to watch - Roberto Pereyra 

It may be a hugely cliched term, but Ricardo Pereyra’s return to fitness will feel like a new signing for Watford in their bid to take the next step up the league. The Argentine’s arrival 12 months ago was met with fanfare, but his season was cut short with a knee injury in December. Now closing in on a return to full fitness, he complements Silva’s midfield options and the Watford boss will hope to have the former Juventus man available for the entire season rather then the opening few months of the campaign. The Hornets, after all, are a far stronger side with Pereyra in the middle of the park.  

Predicted finish - 17th 

There is no doubting that Marco Silva has a big managerial career ahead of him, but Watford is an unstable environment for any boss. He’s one of the best young managers in the game, yet we’re more likely to see a year of transition at Vicarage Road before the club reap’s the benefits of the 40-year-old’s appointment. Safety should be secured, even if by the skin of their teeth.