NUFC fan working at Watford gives fascinating insight into Saturday’s in-form opponents

This week, we’ve been lucky enough to speak to David Moat – an avid NUFC fan currently employed by Watford FC – whose offered us a superb insight into Saturday’s in-form visitors to St James’ Park.

It’s a big game to stop the rot for NUFC, but one that we can’t take lightly, with 8th place Watford one of the top performing sides outside of the typical ‘top 6’ this season.

Firstly, we asked David what he’s made of Watford so far this season, with him explaining here what we can expect from them on Saturday:

” Marco Silva has got Watford playing much better football than they were under Mazzari, the difference is incredible.

“They are starting to retain possession and use their pace for counter attacks, either driving the ball through the midfield (Will Hughes or Pereyra) or the wings.

“Doucoure and Richarlison are the best players Watford have. Most teams have failed to contain them.

“I’d compare Doucoure to Kante to be honest. He is unplayable at times.

“Richarlison is only 20. It’s mental. He’s outperforming so many Premier League stars.

“Watford also play MUCH better away from home, because they can counter at ease.”

David then touched on star players Doucoure and Richarlison in more detail, explaining just why stopping those two could hold the key to stopping Watford this weekend:

“Doucoure controls the game. Hhe receives and passes, the simple stuff, but he does it very, very well.

“He isn’t afraid to play passes that will cut defences open, and won’t make many mistakes. Alongside the workhorse Cleverly, they are so solid in the middle.

“Richarlison actually used to play as a striker. He’s tricky, has a low centre of gravity, great balance and skill.

“He loves to take on a defender but if you restrict him to long shots, Newcastle will be fine.”

Finally, David explained just what we’ll have to do to beat them on Saturday, revealing just why Rafa must play two up top once again to exploit their weaknesses:

“We HAVE to play 2 up top again – Mitro/Joselu and Gayle – Watford’s main weakness is their centre backs, they are very poor.

“Gayle will beat them for pace and Mitrovic would bully them.

“Newcastle must be very wary of the counter attack however. I’d expect Watford to play 3 at the back, as they have done for most of the season, as their fullbacks (especially Kiko Femenia) are very fast.

“Hopefully we can get in behind their wing-backs – as is the usual risk when playing 3 at the back – with Ritchie and Murphy being key to beat their full backs. Good delivery will eventually pay off!

“We’ll need to retain possession better and be very patient to beat them, but if we can can clear the balls that will be pumped into the box, avoid the overlap and hold the centre midfield, we’ll be able to get a result.

“Both teams will be set up well. It’ll be a really interesting matchup, and I can’t wait. Hope Newcastle manage to edge it, especially being at home!”

A superb insight and look ahead to a game that could be a very interesting clash of styles.

We tend to play on the counter attack (even at home!), but this seems to be Watford’s speciality.

They’ve scored plenty goals on the road this season and has real success, but it’s worth mentioning they’ve also conceded 9 in their last 3 away games!

A big game and one that could also be a real big test against a confident, dynamic and in-form Watford side.

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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