Sports Mole previews Saturday’s Championship clash between Watford and Middlesbrough, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Watford play host to Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon with both clubs looking for the victory that could see them move into the top six of the Championship standings.
While the Hornets have been impressive at Vicarage Road this season, Middlesbrough have earned their best result of the campaign on their travels.
Match preview
© Imago
If Watford were judged simply on their home form, they would be viewed as one of the standout teams in the Championship.
Ten points have been collected from a possible 12 at Vicarage Road, while you have to go back to March 9 since they lost on familiar territory in the second tier.
In sharp contrast, Tom Cleverley‘s side are one of the worst-performing teams on their travels in the second tier, losing their last three such games.
Put into context, defeats have come at Sheffield United and Norwich City, yet the 3-0 demise at Preston North End in midweek is the result that would have annoyed their fanbase.
That came on the back of a victory over league leaders Sunderland, highlighting that a promotion bid could be in the offing if they can change their fortunes on their travels.
Middlesbrough are expected to put their aforementioned home record under threat with Michael Carrick‘s side quietly going about their business this season.
While they may have only netted nine goals in eight league games, Boro occupy seventh spot and upset West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns in midweek.
Their only two defeats in the Championship this campaign were by 1-0 scorelines at the homes of Derby County and Sunderland respectively.
The downside to their current form is that they have failed to score more than twice in a Championship fixture this season, the last time – coincidentally – being versus Watford on the final day of 2023-24.
Watford Championship form:
Watford form (all competitions):
Middlesbrough Championship form:
Middlesbrough form (all competitions):
Team News
© Imago
Several changes will be made to the Watford XI with Tom Ince and Vakoun Bayo among those who could be restored to the side.
Angelo Ogbonna was handed a rest in the second half at Preston and should retain his spot in the back three.
Daniel Bachmann and Francisco Sierralta are among those who remain on the sidelines.
Carrick may decide to recall Isaiah Jones to his Middlesbrough starting lineup as an alternative to Ben Doak.
Aside from that, though, the visitors could line up like they did at West Brom, particularly with at least seven players on the injury list.
Watford possible starting lineup:
Bond; Pollock, Ogbonna, Morris; Ebosele, Sissoko, Louza, Larouci; Ince, Chakvetadze; Bayo
Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:
Dieng; Ayling, Van den Berg, Edmundson, Borges; Morris, Hackney; Jones, Azaz, McGree; Latte Lath
We say: Watford 2-1 Middlesbrough
Although Middlesbrough will be on a high from their win at West Brom, a second away test in quick succession may be a tough ask. With that in mind, we feel that Watford may edge this fixture by the odd goal in three, even with having less recovery time.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.