This weekend sees the return of our London Clubs to football action after a Winter Break, and with it the return of Roy Hodgson to the Premier League (PL) as Manager of Watford – his 17th Managerial post since 1976. He will cut his teeth, if needed, with Watford in their away match at fellow PL strugglers Burnley on Saturday 5 February 2022. That is the first day of the FA Cup 4th Round weekend in which there are no London derbies at all.
The PL starts again full-on in the following week. On Tuesday 8 February 2022 the next PLDs match will be West Ham United v Watford. The Hammers will have played their FA Cup tie away at Kidderminster Harriers, a bit less exacting than the Hornets’ trip to Turf Moor. Results the last 4 times this PLDs fixture have been played have been even with 2 home wins and 2 away wins: 2-4 in 2016-17; 2-0 in 2017-18; 0-2 in 2018-19; and 3-1 in 2019-20, the season when Watford were last relegated.
Two very important matches for Roy Hodgson and the Hornets to start his campaign to avoid relegation again as he did with Fulham in the 2007-08 season and Crystal Palace in 2017-18. That’s why he has been appointed, and I am sure we all wish him “Good Luck”.
Until next time, “Keep Safe” and enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.