Watford host promotion-chasing Middlesbrough at Vicarage Road on Saturday, with Javi Gracia’s 14th-placed side aiming to extend their recent dominance over Rob Edwards’ second-placed visitors.
The Hornets have won the last two meetings and scored seven goals in their last five games, while Boro boasts the Championship’s third-best away record.
Our 3 Predictions For Watford Vs Middlesbrough
- First Prediction: Middlesbrough To Win – 7/5
- Second Prediction: Both Teams To Score 3/4
- Third Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals – 19/20
First Prediction For Watford Vs Middlesbrough – Middlesbrough To Win – 7/5
Middlesbrough, second in the Championship, hold 25 points from 12 games: 6 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss.
Their 14 goals shine at home, where they’re unbeaten with four wins, one draw, making the Riverside a fortress once again. Tommy Conway and Mamadou Kaly Sene lead a clinical and flexible attack.
Watford languish 14th with 15 points, reeling from Paulo Pezzolano’s sacking earlier in the month with a poor 30% win rate. Javi Gracia’s return has brought only 1 win, they’ve also conceded in four of their last five.
Boro’s recent head-to-head edge with two wins in five, plus Rob Edwards’ steady hand and possession-based football rarely falters. Expect Middlesbrough’s momentum to overpower Watford’s fragility for a cagey win on the road.
Second Prediction For Watford Vs Middlesbrough – Both Teams To Score – 3/4
Watford host Middlesbrough on Saturday, with The Hornets scoring in 67% of games, with Vakoun Issouf Bayo and Edo Kayembe thriving under Javi Gracia’s attacking impetus since joining earlier in the month. Yet they concede in 75% of home fixtures, a habit they must get rid of if they want to push for the play-offs.
Middlesbrough, second with 25 points, net 14 in 12 but ship goals in 58% of away trips, including three of five. Tommy Conway and Mamadou Kaly Sene punish slack defending.
Eight of the last ten head-to-heads saw both teams score. Watford’s open play meets Boro’s controlling and attacking style of play. This has all the makings of a tight, close affair.
Third Prediction For Watford Vs Middlesbrough – Over 2.5 Goals – 19/20
The Hornets average 1.8 goals per home game this season, with 67% exceeding 2.5, which has been increased by a new aggressive pressing system that triggers rapid counters. Attacking midfielder Imran Louza has scored 4 goals and assisted 2, proving to be a danger man in this so far, lacklustre Hornets team. If they’re going to spark, expect it to be through him.
Middlesbrough’s threats spread from all over the park. Hayden Hackney’s surging runs from midfield have seen him bag 2 goals, while Morgan Whittaker’s quality off the right flank has been proven to cause havoc lately. Goals from all angles with Sene’s agility and power proving a handful. Last five road games averaged 3.4 totals, with four of five head-to-heads since 2022, topping 2.5
Best Betting Odds For Watford Vs Middlesbrough –
| Bookmaker | Watford | Draw | Middlesbrough |
| NRGBet Sports | 19/10 | 9/4 | 7/5 |
| Bet 442 Sports | 19/10 | 12/5 | 7/5 |
| 7bet Sport | 19/10 | 9/4 | 10/7 |
Full Preview Of The Game: Latest Results And Head-To-Head
Watford host second-placed Middlesbrough at Vicarage Road on Saturday in a Championship fixture seemingly very open. This match sees Javi Gracia’s Hornets, 14th with 15 points from 12 games, face Rob Edwards’ high-fliers chasing leaders Coventry. Both sides boast strong recent momentum, promising an open, end-to-end contest.
Gracia, reinstated earlier this month after Paulo Pezzolano’s sacking, has steadied Watford’s ship amid their typical turbulent start. They’ve notched seven goals in their last five matches across all competitions, showcasing attacking flair from Vakoun Issouf Bayo and Edo Kayembe. Home form remains a bright spot, with four wins in six, though they’ve kept no clean sheets in 13 games, highlighting persistent lapses in their defence.
Middlesbrough, under Edwards in his first season at the helm, continue their impressive campaign with 25 points and just one defeat. They’ve scored in each of their last four league outings, totalling four goals, while their away record ranks third-best in the division, whilst only two teams have more road points. Winger Sontje Hansen has been pivotal, leading Boro with 1.3 shots on target per match.
Recent head-to-heads tilt toward Watford, who won the previous two meetings, including a 1-0 triumph at the Riverside last season. At Vicarage Road, the Hornets have prevailed in three of the last five clashes, adding a layer of confidence despite Boro’s current superiority away from home. This fixture last year ended a 2-1 win for the Hornets with goals from Edo Kayember and Kwadwo Baah.
Injuries and suspensions will shape selections. Watford miss Kwadwo Baah through a long-term thigh injury, Pierre Dwomoh is suffering a similar injury and Giorgi Chakvetadze with a hamstring injury, expected until April, whilst James Abankwah is suspended. Middlesbrough contend without George Edmundson and Riley McGree, testing the depths of Rob Edwards’ squad.
Tactically, Gracia may opt for high pressing to disrupt Boro’s patient build-up, targeting transitions against advanced full-backs. Edwards’ side, reliant on the 3 behind the striker to provide quality, will probe Watford’s leaky backline with quick switches. Both teams’ concessions suggest that over 2.5 goals is likely in this balanced matchup.
Watford’s home edge clashes with Middlesbrough’s road prowess, evoking last seasons win for Watford. A point apiece feels fitting, but Boro’s form edges the prediction.
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Last Results - Watford
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Where To Watch Watford Vs Middlesbrough
Where can I watch this game, either on TV or in person?
- Location: Vicarage Road, Watford
- Date And Time: November 1st, 3pm
Probable Lineups For Watford Vs Middlesbrough
How can we expect both of these teams to line up in this key Championship encounter, with Watford looking to get a good run of form to get into the play-offs and Middlesbrough looking to close the gap on leaders Coventry City?
Predicted Watford Lineup
- Lineup – E. Selvik, J. Ngakia, K. Keben, J. Abankwah, M. Bola, I. Louza, E. Kayembe, K. Baah, R. Vata, M. Sissoko, and M. Doumbia,
- Manager – Javi Gracia
- Injuries/ Suspensions – J. Abankwah, G.Chakvetadze, K.Baah
Predicted Middlesbrough Lineup
- Lineup – S. Brynn, M. Targett, D. Fry, I. Jones, C. Brittain, H. Hackney, A. Morris, D. Burgzorg, S. Nypan, D. Whittaker, and K. Sene
- Manager – Rob Edwards
- Injuries/Suspensions – D.Leinham, G.Edmundson, S.Dieng
