Edward Still has completed his first four games in charge of Watford, after Javi Gracia’s resignation at the start of February.
The Englishman signed a two and a half year deal, with owner Gino Pozzo looking for a potential play-off push towards the back end of the season.
As it stands, the Hornets sit ninth, just six points behind Wrexham, who they play in a couple of weeks.
The Englishman began his tenure at Deepdale against Preston North End, playing out a 2-2 draw.
Although the first half performance might not have been what Still wanted, his ability to change shape and tactical style was key to a second half performance which ultimately saw them win a point.
A first victory for Still came soon after, as the Hornets saw off Derby County 2-0 thanks to goals from Luca Kjerrumgaard and fellow striker Mamadou Doumbia.
The first loss, however, came at home to Ipswich Town in a 2-0 defeat, where Watford looked completely lacklustre.
A complete formation failure with a five at the back saw the Hornets exploited and unable to turn the game around after they fell behind.
A bounce back was needed in an all-important play-off race clash against Bristol City, and that’s what Still received from his side in a 2-1 victory, thanks to a Jeremy Ngakia thunderbolt which sealed the points.
The Englishman has predominantly set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation; however has used others, such as a 5-4-1, which didn’t work out against Ipswich.
Watford have been stronger defensively of late, with a clean sheet against Derby, and a compact defensive display against Bristol City saw the three points won.
Before Still’s appointment, Watford struggled for goals in recent times, with their biggest victory being back in November with a 3-0 win over Middlesbrough.
Despite losing both Kwadwo Baah and Othmane Maamaa to injury, the former Charleroi coach has managed to keep the attacking fluidity without the pair of wingers.
The Hornets have scored six goals in the Englishman’s first four matches in charge, with a combined XG of 4.56.
Both Giorgi Chakvetadze and Nestory Irankunda were heavily involved against Bristol City.
Chakvetadze played a huge role in the first goal against the Robins, with a great injection of pace to allow Kayembe to assist Kjerrumgaard with a calm finish.
Meanwhile, Irankunda caused a general threat to Bristol City’s backline, winning vital free kicks and creating opportunities with his bursts of pace down the right.
Despite not playing this weekend, the Hornets still sit in and around that all-important final play-off spot.
Watford have a must-win game at Hillsborough on Tuesday against Sheffield Wednesday, looking to take home all three points.
The next two matches after this could show whether the Hornets are up for the task.
Two teams in the play-offs are after the Owls for Watford, with an away clash at the bet365 Stadium against Stoke, as well as a home clash against Wrexham.
If Watford are still in the push right at the very end of the season, the Hornets will have to face two tough games, which could be season-defining, away at Middlesbrough and at home to Coventry City on the final day.
Ed Still has a chance to bring Watford back up to the Premier League, claiming that final play-off spot; however, it certainly won’t be easy
