FIVE-POINT PLAN

1 STAY ON TOP

Watford came up with a smile on their faces, Xisco combining excellent man management with a 4- 3- 3 formation that made the most of the Hornets’ attacking assets. Maintain this momentum – they won 18 of the new boss’ 26 games in charge – and the spirit it creates will be crucial to survival.

2 SOLVE THE STRIKER SITUATION

The Hornets boast a number of eye- catching difference makers in the final third, though goalscoring remains a problem. Watford don’t have an established top- flight striker to rely on, with Troy Deeney 33 and only Ismaila Sarr managing more than double figures last season. Emmanuel Dennis, a 23- year- old Nigerian international who scored twice in a Champions League draw with Real Madrid in 2019, should help, while Ashley Fletcher and Joshua King also bolster the frontline.

3 GET THE BEST FROM THE BEST

Xisco’s side includes several players who are expected to go on to greater things, with Sarr and 19- year- old Brazilian Joao Pedro among those considered to be potential elite level. Keeping them focused throughout their Vicarage Road stay is essential for survival. The club have been stung before when heads are turned.

4 STAY HARD TO BEAT

The team posted 23 clean sheets and equalled the Championship record for the fewest goals conceded ( 30) to win promotion. Xisco deserves credit for spotting Francisco Sierralta’s potential, partnering the Chilean international, 24, with ex- Spurs prospect William Troost- Ekong at the heart of a miserly defence. Such parsimony went a long way towards securing 19 victories in 23 home matches last campaign.

5 MAKE THE MOST OF SET- PIECES

Adam Masina’s 90th- minute free- kick at Cardiff in March was the first time the Hornets had scored from such a situation in five years, when Almen Abdi netted against Aston Villa. The Golden Boys can’t afford to wait that long again, with clear- cut chances now harder to find against the big boys.