It's a week to go, and for Xisco not to be able to put out the strongest 11, even if he knows what it is, is really poor
Where do I apply to join the bed wetters club? Was feeling quietly optimistic before that game. Now, not so much.
I don't think Cucho on his own up top was the issue. More that the midfield passed it to him twice all game.
Thought the first half was alright, second half was shocking though. It looked like everyone just stopped trying? None of the pre-season, minutes in the tank excuses today. This was the last game before the season starts, it should have practically been a league game between two sides in the same division. We're ****ed if that's the team he's going with.
Good performance against a very cohesive team. We have to remember that Palace have been a PL team for many years and have a top top coach and players who've known each other for years. We should all be happy with that scoreline. Minutes in the tank, Deeney in the goals again and a whole load more positives to come out of this great performance. Also, remember that the Watford away kit is out now and available to buy at The Hornet Shop.
Pretty sure one of the commentators said he spoke to Xisco before the game and apparently he said he doesn't know what team will play next week as they're still trying some things out. You've had over six weeks mate!
We were s**** but mostly it was because the midfield was so bad. Get another signing, play two of Louza, Kucka and the new guy alongside Etebo and put Sierralta in for Cathcart. Then I think our losses will be by a much more respectable margin.
Was pessimistic about our survival chances before that debacle ,nothing has changed. Look at the positives championship is a fun league and we will be back in it soon.
All 4 seasons we stayed up under Pozzbury we started well. If that doesnt happen this season, its gonna be very very difficult. On paper we have enough to stay up, whether Gino can make that happen out on the pitch with his 'decision making' is highly questionable. Things have been going pear shaped most of the last 2.5 years. Without Deeney's injury last season we'd be fighting for survival in the champo this year. Worrying times.
Haven’t been this pessimistic about a new season for a long time One week out and still no clear formation or line up. Those who are playing looks miles off it in terms of both fitness and standard. Far too many in and around the starting 11 who we already know are not PL calibre Would be shocked if Xisco is still here in December
Same as how I saw it. We had Kucka, Louza, TDB and Gosling sitting on the bench, whilst TC, KS, and Etebo, about the weakest combination, started. I get that Xisco wants to try players out, but a week to go is really not the moment.
Louza might be a bit lightweight but he constantly had his head up and knocked it around nicely. Kucka also looked decent, he's a big guy as well. I'm sure we'll start Cleverley and Gosling next week though.
“On paper” - do we. We are weaker than we’re 2 years ago when Doucoure and Capoue were playing. Do you really believe there are 3 teams with weaker line ups on paper than us. There were the year we came down but this year we look weak
Cleverley is nailed on. We play players on reputation, past glory and player power, not talent, performance or suitability.
Don’t look fit enough and Sema in centre midfield. We are going to get smoked next week. Reckon Xisco will be out by game week 7.
There are two hopes that we have for next week: 1. Sierralta is already nailed on behind the scenes to be plugged straight back in to the defence as clearly our best centre back, and he is just being rested as much as humanly possible after his exertions at the Copa America. 2. The stark nature of our shytness laid bare in that performance will frighten Gino into sanctioning an actual worthwhile purchase this week, which won't be enough for the start of the season or anywhere near what we actually needed, but will at least give the next head coach the opportunity to bring him in as a gamechanger once Deeney has puffed himself out/Gosling has started every game of a ten match losing-streak/WTE is the opposition's leading assist-maker.
Anyone else getting flashbacks to Brighton 19/20? Unfit and unprepared squad, playing people out of position, lacklustre performance etc. I really hope we didn't see a preview of that.
Given the situation it wouldn't be a surprise if he's gone by next Saturday. Poor chap, probably expected a few upgrades and a cutting of the dead wood who seem harder to shift than chewing gum on the cat!
Some of these comments make for worrying reading. We were always going to have one of the league's weakest squads "on paper". We needed to be greater than the sum of our parts. For this to happen we need 3 things: 1) Excellent fitness levels 2) An excellent "togetherness" off the pitch 3) Team cohesion on the pitch None of these cost crazy amounts of money. It's very difficult to imagine us staying up this season.
Horrible from WTE. One shining light was Etebo though. We were slow, sloppy. Sema and Cleverly clueless in the middle of the park. But good to see Louza, Kiko and Kucka. Have to start Etebo, Louza and Kucka next week.
Excellent way to finish a fabulous pre-season. Aston Villa won’t know what’s hit them next Saturday. Our boys have got the minutes needed, this week will be all about putting on the finishing touches and how we’re going to tactically outsmart Villa in front of 20,000 happy Watford fans. Deeney will lead the team out as club captain, with Cleverley harassing the Villa players like a knat at a BBQ. The boys have done all the hard work to be prepared as possible and I have no doubt in my mind, that they will show us why we deserve to stay in the Prem next Saturday.
I feel for anyone who paid to go. Pretty predictable. Won't even be able to rely on our defence (and Sarr) this season as it won't be enough.
Buzzing for this season! Massive 90 mins into the legs. Can’t decipher anything else - pre-season after all innit! Nothing else matters.
I’m going into this season expecting relegation. Whatever the reason for us being in this position is kind of irrelevant now as it’s in the past. So if we stay up then that will be fantastic. Biggest concern though is , from the outside looking in, we don’t seem to be setting ourselves up with at least giving it our best shot. Last friendly of pre season and we are clearly still ‘trying things’. That team gets beaten next week. So hopefully it’s not that team. But then what is the team and how does Xisco know it’s the right one to give us half a chance? Dyche shows at Burnley that if you have a clear plan, train to that plan, pick the players suited to that plan, then you can do better than your finances dictate. (No I wouldn’t want to watch is play like them week in week out). I reckon we have an 11 that could compete. But if even 2/3 of them aren’t available or aren’t picked then we are going to massively struggle.
yep and do it early doors whilst odds are still reasonably favourable. By Xmas it won’t be worth it and there will be no value once everyone knows the way the wind is blowing.
