Javi Gracia has backed Watford’s misfiring strikers to score the goals to keep them safe from relegation.
Last season’s frontmen Troy Deeney, Andre Gray and Stefano Okaka managed a paltry total of 11 goals between them.
Watford’s failure to add to their shot-shy attack during the transfer window has baffled many of the fans at Vicarage Road.
But Hornets boss Gracia is convinced he has enough firepower to steer clear of the bottom three.
“For sure, we need to improve that statistic and I trust all the strikers this season will score more goals,” said the Spaniard.
“Some of them, it’s true, were injured at different times during the season and I’m sure that this season Okaka, Andre, Troy, Isaac Success – all the strikers who are going to be with us this season are going to score more goals than last season.”
Watford kick off the new campaign with a visit from another side tipped to struggle, Brighton.
“I think, playing at home, I believe we are able to win that game. It will be very demanding but we are going to try to do it,” added Gracia.
“If you speak about objectives at this point when the season starts then I like to be ambitious.
“I like to try to explain to the players that we can win all the games we are going to play, we can do it.
“I prefer to be ambitious than speak about relegation, I don’t like to speak about that.”
Midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure is fit to face Brighton despite only recently recovering from appendicitis.
But winger Gerard Deulofeu will miss the Premier League opener due to a minor abdominal problem.
