RECAP
Javi Gracia went with an unchanged starting XI as David Wagner brought Huddersfield Town to Vicarage Road on Saturday. While history had been with Wagner’s Terriers, winning the last three games against Watford, this was a struggling Huddersfield team at both ends of the pitch. The Hornets came into the game riding a good away victory last week and were looking to build upon the win.
It took just ten minutes for the Hornets to get the party started on some great individual talent from Roberto Pereyra, cutting into the box from the left, skipping and dancing by Huddersfield defenders and slotting the ball past Jonas Lossl. Yet the Golden Boys weren’t done. Just nine minutes later, it was Gerard Deulofeu, hitting from an improbable angle off the right flank, in another excellent display of ball control and skill to give the Hornets a 2-0 lead.
Huddersfield struggled much of the game but did create some excellent chances. However, standing tall in goal, Ben Foster, making seven saves on the day. By far his busiest game of the season, which could call into question the changes that remained in place on defense, with Adam Masina and Adrian Mariappa starting.
The final goal came with 10′ remaining off a set piece, as the ball came to Etienne Capoue, he found Kiko Femenia at the far post, who cetnered a half-volley that was driven home by Issas Success. This goal capped off an excellent game for the Golden Boys who retain their 7th position in the league table.
REPORT CARD
Ben Foster: While I haven’t been critical of the goalkeeper he really hadn’t been doing much to warrant a spot on any starting FPL teams. Foster made 7 saves on the day and posted his third clean sheet on the season. Looked good between the posts, as he was tested high and low by the Terriers. While we don’t like to shuffle keepers, he and Watford have two favorable games remaining before the fixtures turn.
Kiko Femenia: I mentioned him as one to watch this week and the Spaniard delivered with an assist, late in the game. He’s looked good coming in at right back due to the Daryl Janmaat injury. At £4.2, I like the pace, skill and delivery he brings with him. Down the right flank, he’s got a lot of green to cover, as Will Hughes has freedom to move centrally, leaving the flank to Femenia to fill. Depending on where you are on the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka or Ryan Benenett, Femenia could be a deep bench option.
Jose Holebas: While not a starter, I don’t believe Adam Masina has won the left back job. I do believe Gracia was rewarding him after a good showing against Wolves and giving Holebas some deserved rest. At £4.8, he’s still excellent value and deadly on set pieces.
Robert Pereyra: Is the Argentine back in form? It’s two goals in two weeks, and this week was an impressive display of foot skills, but also a lack of defending from Huddersfield,as Pereyra danced by the defense and slotted the goal between the legs of Jonas Lossl. He’s got 5 goals on the season and priced at £6.3, he’s contending with Ryan Fraser, Johan Berg Gudmundsson and Andre Schurrle. He’s always a threat, but not completely sold on his away fixture form, but maybe his luck has changed.
Gerard Deulofeu: Returning from injury, Deulofeu looks goal hungry. Started OOP with Issac Success, but was given freedom to shift through the midfield, much like Hughes. His first goal was one for the highlight reel, hitting from a tight angle, freezing Lossl. At £5.4, he’s priced right as a fourth or fifth playing midfielder. As I have already said, fixtures turn for Watford, which might make goals more difficult to come by.
Will Hughes: His play continues to be very good in the midfield for Watford, but has struggled to return any attacking points. At £5.0, he’s well priced but as involved as he is, there have been no attacking points coming his way.
Issac Success: Rewarded after a good game against Wolves, started up top with Deulofeu. Looked very lively all game long. Good movement and strength getting into position. Picked up a late goal that put an exclamation mark on the Watford win. Going to be very difficult to keep him out of the starting XI. Priced right at £4.5.