Putting together a six-match streak without a win is not normally a method to earn a permanent managerial contract these days, but it has proven enough for Cleverley to be handed the reins at Vicarage Road.
That aforementioned run requires some context with five draws having been recorded, all of which have been against teams in the top 10 of the table.
Prior to that, Cleverley’s first game ended in a 1-0 victory over Birmingham City, with his only defeat coming in last-gasp fashion at Southampton.
In the long run, this is a Hornets side that has won just two of their last 17 matches in the Championship, yet there is confidence that Cleverley can instigate a promotion charge next season.
However, the former midfielder will first want to end 2023-24 on a high, with Watford concluding the campaign with this match and a trip to Middlesbrough.
Sunderland are another team that are already thinking about next season after a disappointing campaign under a number of different managers.
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Mike Dodds has brought some short-term relief at the Stadium of Light with nine points from the last seven games, enough to keep Sunderland around the mid-table positions.
The Black Cats also have a recent victory at promotion-chasing West Bromwich Albion under their belt, yet that has since been forgotten on the back of losing at home to Millwall.
While Sunderland head into this contest having won just six of their 22 away games this season, seven points have been collected from their last three fixtures on their travels
