Watford play host to promotion-hunting Sheffield United at Vicarage Road in the hosts’ first home game of 2025.
EFL Championship
Our Three Predictions for Watford vs Sheffield United
- First Prediction: Match to end in a draw – 9/4
- Second Prediction: Over 2.5 goals to be scored – 27/25
- Third Prediction: Gustavo Hamer to score at any time – 21/5
First Prediction for Watford vs Sheffield United – Match to end in a draw – 9/4
With both sides dropping off in form recently, it would come as no surprise if this match ended in a draw. Watford, despite only being two points off the play-off places, have lost three of their last five games, and have lost their last two back-to-back against Cardiff City and Queens Park Rangers, two sides towards the bottom end of the table. However, although their opponents’ league position is higher, they’ve also experienced a dip in form over the festive period, not winning in three fixtures. Although three points for either side would be crucial, with both sides so off form, this match could well end in a draw.
Second Prediction for Watford vs Sheffield United – Over 2.5 goals to be scored – 27/25
Even though Sheffield United have the second-best defensive records in the Championship, Tom Cleverley’s side seem to both score and leak goals at the same time. Both sides have scored 34 goals in the league so far, but the Hornets have conceded 34 goals, the worst defensive record in the top eight. The hosts’ goals per match and goals conceded per match record currently sits at 1.42 average goals per match, with Sheffield United’s average goal-scoring record being 1.36 goals per match, but their defensive record is at 0.64 conceded per match. With either side proving they can score goals and with Watford’s poor defensive record, there’s likely to be more than 2.5 goals in this game.
Third Prediction for Watford vs Sheffield United – Gustavo Hamer to score at any time – 21/5
With top-scorer Tyrese Campbell being ruled out for this one with a back injury he picked up against West Bromwich Albion, Sheffield United are in desperate need of another goal-scorer to step up and fill his boots. Hamer is the joint second-highest scorer at the club and has scored five goals in 24 Championship games this season. The 27-year-old has been constantly performing this season for the Blades and also has five assists to his name. In the previous game against Sunderland, the Dutchman played a role in the own goal scored by Sunderland and will be aiming to add to his tally on Saturday.
Best Odds for Watford vs Sheffield United
| Bookmaker | Watford | Draw | Sheffield United |
| Myriadplay | 7/4 | 9/4 | 153/100 |
| Gentleman Jim | 7/4 | 9/4 | 6/4 |
| Betarno | 17/10 | 85/40 | 6/4 |
Full Preview of the Game – Last Results and Head-To-Head
As previously mentioned, neither side comes into this one with the best form. The hosts have only won two games in their last five, with the visitors matching that record despite still being in the run for the automatic promotion places.
Three points could prove crucial for either side, with the Hornets only two points off the play-off spots, and the Blades level on points with Burnley, who are sat in the automatic promotion places. Depending on other results around the two sides, by the end of the day, either side could find themselves in the playoff picture once again.
Since 2010, these sides have met seven times, meeting in both the Premier League and the Championship. Out of these seven ties, Watford have the better record, winning three and losing two, with two of the seven matches ending with honours even at full time.
Confrontation
Where to watch Watford vs Sheffield United
Due to the 3 PM blackout, this match will not be televised, but where can you watch it in person?
- Location: Vicarage Road, Watford
- Date: Saturday January 4, 2025
Probable Lineups for Watford vs Sheffield United
What sort of lineups can we expect from this Championship clash?
Predicted Watford Lineup:
- Lineup: D. Bachmann; M. Pollock, F. Sierralta, R. Porteous, J. Ngakia, Y. Larouci; M. Sissoko, E. Kayembe, K. Baah, G. Chakvetadze; V. Bayo
- Injured/suspended: K. Keben, T. Dele-Bashiru
- Manager: Tom Cleverley
Predicted Sheffield United Lineup:
- Lineup: M. Cooper; H. Burrows, R. Norrington-Davies, A. Ahmedhodzic, A. Gilchrist; T. Davies, C. O’Hare, G. Hamer; A. Brooks, R. Brewster; K. Moore
- Injured/suspended: F. Seriki, H. Souttar, J. Rak-Sakyi, O. Arblaster, T. Campbell, V. Souza
- Manager: Chris Wilder
Media Centre – News about Watford vs Sheffield United
The Graham Taylor Matchday. ⏭️ pic.twitter.com/64rOech3oN
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) January 2, 2025
Chris Wilder on tonight’s defeat. 🎙️ pic.twitter.com/HqD7tM9EoO
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) January 1, 2025
