MX23RW : Wednesday, October 28 16:58:49| >> :120:61430:61430:
Oct 21, 2020 at 7.45pm UK at Vicarage Road
WatfordWatford
3-1
BlackburnBlackburn Rovers
Pedro (13'), Cleverley (17'), Lenihan (49' og.)
Kabasele (22'), Ngakia (75'), Pedro (84')
FT(HT: 2-1)
Brereton (28')

Preview: Watford vs. Blackburn Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Wednesday's Championship fixture between Watford and Blackburn Rovers, including predictions, team news and lineups.

Blackburn Rovers travel to North West London to face Watford on Wednesday night, as they attempt to close the gap on the Championship's playoff pack.

Rovers conceded late on Saturday, going down 1-0 to Chris Hughton's Nottingham Forest, while a fine strike from Joao Pedro was enough for Watford to see off Derby County.


Match preview

Watford's Joao Pedro celebrates with teammates after scoring against Derby County on October 16, 2020© Reuters

Saturday saw Watford secure their second win of the season - and their first since the opening day - to compound the pressure on Derby manager Phillip Cocu.

The Hornets have had a good start to the season, including wins over Middlesbrough, Luton Town and Derby, tainted only by defeat away to in-form Reading.

Now that the transfer window has closed, Vladimir Ivic will be pleased that he has managed to hold on to key players such as Ismaila Sarr and Troy Deeney - individual talents that are sure to contribute huge amounts to Watford's promotion chase.

Another key factor to winning promotion will be their defensive form, and Watford have the joint-best record to date, being one of two teams to have only conceded one goal so far this season.

Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray pictured on October 17, 2020© Reuters

Tony Mowbray's Blackburn side fell to Forest on the weekend having conceded a deflected goal late on, despite having controlled large periods of the game.

Regardless of the defeat to Chris Hughton's men, Rovers will see this game as an opportunity to draw level with Watford in the league and firmly position themselves in the top half of the table.

Blackburn fans will also be encouraged by new signings, and in particular young Harvey Elliott, who did not look out of place turning out for Premier League champions Liverpool last term.

On the other flank, Blackburn will threaten by way of new signing Barry Douglas, who signed late last week from Leeds United.

Watford Championship form: WDWLW
Watford form (all competitions): WDLWLW

Blackburn Rovers Championship form: LWWDL
Blackburn Rovers form (all competitions): LLWWDL


Team News

Lewis Holtby in action for Blackburn Rovers on January 18, 2020© Reuters

Mowbray may look to introduce news signings Elliot and Douglas, but will be conscious of disrupting any team rhythm and could opt to stagger their first-team minutes over the coming weeks.

Lewis Holtby is expected to return for Blackburn after returning to Germany for the birth of his first child.

Watford could welcome back Will Hughes to the starting lineup after it was reported that he has shown strong progress in training.

Otherwise, Watford could be unchanged as they look to keep the pressure on the league leaders.

Watford possible starting lineup:
Foster; Cathcart, Kabasele, Wilmot; Ngakia, Garner, Capoue, Cleverley, Femenia; Pedro, Sarr

Blackburn Rovers possible starting lineup:
Kaminski; Nyambe, Lenihan, Ayala, Bell; Johnson, Holtby, Rothwell; Dolan, Armstrong, Brereton


SM words green background

We say: Watford 2-0 Blackburn Rovers

Watford appear to be hitting their straps of late, and as many of their first team return to full fitness, we see this fixture as a tall order for Mowbray's Blackburn side. We expect Watford's quality to shine through in a convincing home win.


Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting over 1.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Over 1.5:data

ID:418972:cQx

Who will win the Championship clash between Watford and Blackburn Rovers?

Watford
Draw
Blackburn Rovers
Watford
0.0%
Draw
0.0%
Blackburn Rovers
0.0%
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Derby County manager Phillip Cocu pictured on October 16, 2020
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Under-pressure Phillip Cocu insists Derby did not deserve to lose Watford match
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Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
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2Swansea CitySwansea8431105515
3Bristol City7421116514
4Norwich CityNorwich842297214
5Bournemouth7340106413
6Middlesbrough734084413
7Millwall733185312
8Watford733174312
9Stoke CityStoke833299012
10Luton TownLuton740366012
11Brentford83231311211
12Blackburn RoversBlackburn83141811710
13Preston North EndPreston7313108210
14Huddersfield TownHuddersfield731368-210
15Cardiff CityCardiff72326609
16Barnsley8143910-17
17Birmingham CityBirmingham714234-17
18Queens Park RangersQPR8143610-47
19Rotherham UnitedRotherham713359-46
20Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest712449-55
21Coventry CityCoventry8125616-105
22Derby CountyDerby7115311-84
23Wycombe WanderersWycombe8017316-131
24Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds722356-1-4

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