Watford to Rest Senior Players in Barnet Friendly
Watford will field a B-team in their pre-season friendly against Barnet, resting most senior players. The Hornets have a number of behind-closed doors friendlies dotted around the public ones this summer and, it seems, are set to rest most recognisable faces for this one.
Why it Matters for Watford
The decision to field a B-team in the friendly against Barnet is a strategic one for the Hornets. By resting most senior players, Watford can give their younger players valuable experience and allow them to showcase their talents to the coaching staff.
What Comes Next?
Travis Akomeah, who returned to the club from Chelsea in January 2025, is set to feature for the B-team. The youngster, who is currently third-choice centre-back, is hoping to impress the coaching staff and earn a spot in the first team.
In an interview with the club website, Akomeah said: "In pre-season you are going to get opportunities, and it's about what you do with those when you get them. It will be a good test against a good side, and it's a chance to showcase to the staff our talents and our attitude."
Akomeah spent last season on loan at League Two Gillingham, where he played 17 matches. He added: "It was probably one of the best decisions of my career to go out on loan. For a young centre-half like myself, it's really important to go out and get men's football, getting out into the real world."
The friendly against Barnet will be a good test for the B-team, and it will be interesting to see how they perform against a good side. The Hornets have a number of young players who are looking to break into the first team, and this friendly will be a great opportunity for them to showcase their talents.
What's Next for Watford?
Watford's next friendly is against Boreham Wood, where they will be looking to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat. The Hornets have a number of behind-closed doors friendlies dotted around the public ones this summer, and they will be looking to give their younger players valuable experience.
The friendly against Barnet will be a good test for the B-team, and it will be interesting to see how they perform against a good side. The Hornets have a number of young players who are looking to break into the first team, and this friendly will be a great opportunity for them to showcase their talents.
