Ahead of our visit to Vicarage Road on Saturday, we spoke with the Golden Pages Fanzine to see what our opponents are thinking before kickoff.
Watford started the season really well and you won your first five matches in all competitions. Recently your form has dipped slightly and you’ve failed to win your last three/four (depending on the Man City result!). Is there any reason for the sudden dip?
Tom Cleverley masterminded an astonishing start, given the lack of quality in the squad at the time. His preparation for the first few games was first class. It has also helped that we had a favourable run of fixtures.
Recently, we've acquired a horrible habit of conceding within the first five minutes, which needs to be urgently addressed. We're also vulnerable when defending set pieces and generally quite naive at the back, although the introduction of Angelo Ogbonna may change that.
What are your goals for this season, is it to mount a promotion challenge or maybe get back into the top half of the table?
The week before the transfer window closed, I had us down for relegation. However, I feel we've signed enough decent players that I suspect we'll be amongst the middle pack. Unless we add to the squad in January, we don't have the quality to mount a playoff charge.
If (a huge if!) the owner can be patient with Cleverley and allow him to lay some foundations, we expect to kick-on next season.
What are your thoughts on manager Tom Cleverley?
We adore him for what he did as a player, in two spells at the opposite ends of his career. He's great to speak with and is very impressive, despite his reserved demeanor. He loves the club and is clear about the style he wants his team to play.
We're sick of the constant churn of managers and want Cleverley to re-build the team's identity. The fans are desperate for him to be successful here. He's very inexperienced, but hopefully he can learn the craft of management at Vicarage Road.
How did your summer transfer window go?
We lost our brightest spark (Yaser Asprilla), captain (Wesley Hoedt) and top scorer (Mileta Rajovic) which would usually cause major concern. However, we seem to have made a few shrewd signings: Daniel Jebbison (on loan) was a good acquisition, given that a few clubs were in the chase. We picked up a real speedster in (former Derby wing-back) Festy Ebosele, and at the back, the experience of Angelo Ogbonna (from West Ham) will be key. Moussa Sissoko - signed early in the window - was installed as captain and wil also be important. There are some other recruits that we hope will also contribute.
Which player is your best?
Giorgi Chakvetadze, our number 8. The ball sticks to his feet and he has fantastic vision. You may have seen him play a key role in Georgia's success at the Euros, in the summer. Keep him off the ball and you'll be half-way to a clean sheet.
Which Sunderland player most worries you?
In an attacking sense, pace against Watford's three centre halves is cause for concern. Chris Rigg looks a great prospect and is riding the crest of a wave. Romaine Mundle is a player that can cause us problems, too.
What is your score prediction for the game?
Sunderland have made a lightning start to the season and look sharp. I think this may be Watford's first home defeat of the season. I'll got for 2-1 to the visitors.
I'm sure Moussa Sissoko will receive a hostile reception from our fans due to his black and white connection... what do you think of the Frenchman?
Sissoko's professionalism, leadership, experience and technical quality will be integral for Watford this season. He's proved useful already, having returned from a year away. He's an upgrade from Jake Livermore, who he replaces.
I like Moussa and the way he carries himself. He has the quality on the ball and still seems to have a decent engine.
Where do you reckon both sides will finish this season?
As I have for the last couple of seasons, I'm tipping Sunderland for a playoff spot. It'll be interesting to see how your new manager handles a bad run of form, whenever that happens. It's a long season, but you've made a great start.
Finally, where is the best place for an away fan to have a pint?
The stadium doesn't serve alcohol, but is very close to the town centre where there is plenty of choice. The nearest pub (which I believe is a designated away pub) is the Oddfellows, on Fearnley Street, a stone's throw from the ground.
