At the pre-match press conference ahead of their trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon, Watford manager Nigel Pearson said he is confident his side will be able to beat the drop.
The memories of Saturday’s incredible performance against champions-elect Liverpool will still be raw for many Watford supporters, but Pearson’s main focus now is getting ready for the tricky test at Selhurst Park.
Ismaila Sarr’s return to the side from a short-term injury has given everyone a confidence boost, but this may have been slightly knocked back after learning the extent of Gerard Deulofeu’s injury against Liverpool, forcing the Spaniard to be stretchered off the pitch.
Pearson spoke about his feelings on Deulofeu’s injury: “It’s disappointing, he’s been one of our best performers this season and has been a match winner on many occasions.
“He’s such a creative player, but our thoughts now have to be getting him through his surgery successfully and then planning his recovery, but these injuries are normally at least five to six months.”
The victory over Liverpool has surely given most Watford fans the belief that they will be able to survive in the Premier League once again this season, and Pearson himself admitted he believes they will.
He said: “I believe we will stay up. We’ve worked very hard to get into this competitive situation and we’ve had some very good days and performances, but also some not at our best.
“We have to find that level of performance that we saw against Liverpool, but the reality is that’s not always so easy.
“Having said that, providing I see the right effort and commitment, then yes, we have a really good chance.”
Crystal Palace have quietly gone about their business well this season in the Premier League, and barring a disaster, have done enough to retain their status in the league next season.
Pearson had a lot of praise for the Eagles’ manager Roy Hodgson, he said: “Hodgson’s team are always well set out, they’ve gone from being a team that was in a lot of difficulties to a side who have now got a level of stability, which is important.
“They’ve got a lot of good players and it will be a tough game, but they’ll be saying similar things over there. Both sides will go out there to win.
“Roy’s had such a varied career, and his contribution to the game throughout the world is very well recognised. He’s managed in Scandinavia, Italy, Switzerland and all things considered, he’s had an incredible career.”
Watford travel to Crystal Palace on Saturday, March 7, for a 3pm kick-off.
Picture courtesy of Watford FC
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