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Andrew Musgrove

Watford players come out in support of Javi Gracia ahead of Newcastle United game

Watford manager Javi Gracia is desperate to lead his side to victory over Newcastle United weekend having not won a Premier League game since April.

That victory came against Huddersfield Town but The Hornets went on to lose three of their final four games of last season - drawing the other.

This season has started in similar fashion with Watford losing their opening three games, meaning they sit bottom of the table ahead of a trip to Newcastle.

Despite having the very capable Ben Foster in goal, they've already conceded seven goals this campaign, and haven't kept a clean sheet since February.

However a 3-0 victory over Coventry in the League Cup earlier this week has lifted spirits in the camp - and given hope to Watford fans that Gracia can get things back on track.

Watford defender Adrian Mariappa shares those hopes, and has made it clear the boss has his backing.

"I have always believed in the team and the gaffer, and I believe that things will turn," he told the Watford Observer.

"Sometimes the luck goes against you in games and in the Premier League there are fine margins.

"But you look at the performances of the last two games and we created a lot of chances and it just hasn’t fallen for us. Hopefully today is a good catalyst for us to go on and get a good result on the weekend."

Last season Gracia led Watford to the FA Cup Final, and their highest Premier League finish with a record tally of goals and points.

Mariappa believes Gracia may be a victim of his own success.

"It is evident to see [what Gracia has done]," he added.

"We had our highest league position this year with a highest number of points and we made a cup final. I think there is a very good squad here and our levels are always good.

"I think it is a credit to him that now there is a lot more expectation because of how well we have done.

"Like I said, that’s a credit to the gaffer and his management. Obviously the boys are buying into the gaffer.

"For us nothing changes. We are going to a tough place on Saturday but we will be going to try and get some points."

Midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru, who made his Watford debut against Coventry, also played down any talk about Gracia's future.

"The team and the players are behind him," he said.

"We don't try and focus on rumours and stuff, we just try and keep a tight-knit team and work hard for each other and work hard for the manager and try and improve on our results."

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