The Hornets are beyond a shadow of a doubt one of the first cited to suffer a difficult Premier League campaign but the Tavern’s Watford fans think their club could become a dark horse this year. 

Watford has been the subject of a number of changes throughout the summer, including the appointment of ex-Hull City manager Marco Silva, who, admittedly, now knows his way around the top-flight after an initial spell in Yorkshire with the Tigers.

Fans by the bar in our bar have been bewildered with the sudden ambition their management is showing by bringing in several new faces during the transfer window so far.

Those through the door at Vicarage Road this summer include English midfield duo Will Hughes and Nathaniel Chalobah, both whom are expected to flourish in this new look Watford team.

Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are the first visitors to the Hornets for the new season as Silva’s men welcome the Reds on Saturday afternoon, and here are TWO reasons why the Football Transfer Tavern thinks the hosts could cause an upset….

Marco Silva’s impeccable home form

New Watford manager Marco Silva became renown for his impressive record which stretched for over 41 unbeaten outings on home turf, only to come to an abrupt end in the latter stages of last season as Hull fell victim to Sunderland.

It was a remarkable run which saw the Portuguese boss avoid seeing his side lose at home, spreading over his time in Greece with Olympiakos, and he’ll be hoping to regenerate such a feat once again at Vicarage Road.

The tavern sees the Hornets kick off their 2017/18 Premier League season by hosting title hopefuls Liverpool and Silva’s superb form may mean it’ll be difficult for the visitors break down his Watford side.

Watford’s unexpected tactical change

Liverpool will be travelling to Watford at the weekend thinking Marco Silva will set-up the notorious 4-4-2 formation that fans instantly recognise as the Hornets’ trademark, however, the manager has had a different idea during pre-season.

The 4-5-1 lay out has regularly been tested out over the last month for Silva’s team and it will sufficiently allow the hosts a midfield advantage over their opposition, something the Tavern is excited to spectate on Saturday.

Fans by the bar reckon this tactical change from the boss will enable Watford to pack the middle and fiercely counter attack the Reds’ defence, a problem Klopp has struggled to address since arriving on Merseyside.

Watford fans, will these two reasons subsequently give you victory over Liverpool? How important could your home form be this season? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below!