Watford ‘Rising to the Challenge’ Under Cleverley’s Guidance

Tom Cleverley’s tenure as Watford manager encompasses 33 games, with a record of 14 wins and 10 losses. Watford recently defeated West Bromwich Albion, thereby concluding the Baggies’ 12-match unbeaten streak, and now aims to achieve a similar outcome against third-placed Burnley this Saturday (15:00 GMT). While The Clarets have maintained an unbeaten record in eight Championship fixtures, Watford has demonstrated a proficiency for overcoming teams positioned higher in the league standings. Currently in seventh place, The Hornets have secured victories in all their encounters against the three clubs directly above them in the Championship table: Middlesbrough, Blackburn Rovers, and Sunderland. “These are the big challenges, the big days that we’ve been rising to. Our form against the top-10 teams is quite good,” Watford boss Tom Cleverley told BBC Radio Three Counties. “This another huge challenge for us and one we feel like we are arriving there at a good moment.” Watford is currently enjoying a six-match unbeaten streak, comprising three wins and three draws [W3 D3], placing them level on points with Boro, who occupy the final play-off position. Despite Cleverley’s expressed confidence, he conveyed that he is not underestimating Scott Parker’s promotion challengers. He stated, “It’s an incredible defensive record they’ve got up to this stage of the season.” “Only eight goals conceded in 21 matches – it goes back to the [Jose] Mourinho Chelsea team’s kind of defensive record.” “We know the test we face but what I would say is that we have got one of the most exciting attacking units in the league also, so I expect a good clash of styles and a good football match.”