Watford face Arsenal, Burnley, Manchester United, West Ham United and Southampton in their next five league fixtures.
Arsenal (a)
Burnley’s valiant effort at the Emirates Stadium will be a reminder to Watford supporters that Arsenal are prone to a wobble at home.
Last season, the Hornets recorded a FA Cup upset over the Gunners before being demolished 4-0 a month later when they returned to the Emirates.
A repeat of that second game seems to be the more likely outcome with Arsenal trying to catch up with table-topping Chelsea.
Prediction: Lose
Burnley (h)
Burnley disposed of Watford with relative ease back in October but the Clarets are a completely different proposition away from Turf Moor. Sean Dyche’s side are yet to record a win on their travels and have only mustered four goals in those games.
The Hornets can expect to sneak past their visitors in a physical and nervy encounter.
Prediction: Win
Manchester United (a)
Watford came desperately close to taking a result away Old Trafford last season. However, it will be an even more daunting task this time around, with the likes of Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan ready to test the Hornets’ resolve.
It is difficult to imagine Walter Mazzarri completing the double over Jose Mourinho, especially considering Manchester City are the only side to take three points from ‘the theatre of dreams’ during this campaign.
Prediction: Lose
West Ham United (h)
The Hammers are beginning to find some form following a nervy start to the season, which included a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Watford. If Andy Carroll is fit and firing, Watford’s defence can expect a tough afternoon.
West Ham’s away form has been reasonable and we anticipate their resurgence will continue at Vicarage Road.
Prediction: Lose
Southampton (h)
The Saints have been dropping down the table at an alarming rate in recent weeks, but a weekend win over Leicester should ease any concerns.
By the time we reach this fixture Claude Puel side’s prospects might look even rosier, with winnable games against Sunderland, West Ham and Swansea City to come. Despite that, the Hornets have shown already this season that they are a match for the Saints and both sides should share the points again.
Prediction: Draw
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