Recap
Well, there were certainly some unhappy fans after this game was postponed just under a month ago, with an almighty fallout on social media ensuing, City were being branded as ‘scared’ to face what was an in-form Watford side.

However, as we all know, the Championship changes incredibly fast, and the tables have turned. City are now one of the most in-form teams in the division, with 4 straight wins in the league, slowly creeping up on the top 2, with Watford hitting a rough patch of form, seeing themselves drop outside of the top 6 into 10th place, 10 points behind the Tigers.
Last time out for City was again not the prettiest of games, but one which, most importantly, they managed to win.

Going into the game, it’s safe to say that most had it down as a comfortable City win, considering where both sides were in the table beforehand, with Blackburn dropping into the bottom three and City beginning to claim their spot in the top six.

City did start well, having an opening spell of attacking pressure, but not quite making the most of their chances. After about 15-20 minutes, was where the game opened up, looking like it could’ve gone either way. Blackburn had their fair share of chances, but fortunately for City, they were far from clinical.

Going into half-time at 0-0 allowed City to gather their thoughts and regroup, which is what they did well in the second half, defending even more gilt-edged Rovers attempts, some of which you could say it was easier to score than miss.

This is what City have excelled at recently, with their backs against the wall, when having an ‘off’ game, they still have the quality within the squad to create a goalscoring opportunity out of the few chances they get, which is exactly what they managed to do. Second-half sub (and debutant) Lewis Koumas linked up nicely with Amir Hadziahmetovic and Kyle Joseph to tuck what was his first couple of touches of the ball into the back of the net, sealing victory and a massive 3 points for the Tigers on the road (again!), moving into 3rd and closing the gap on the top 2 yet again.

Opponent Observations

As I’ve previously alluded to, Watford’s form has taken a hit recently. Since this game was postponed, the Hornets have not won a game, drawing 2 and losing 3 of their last 5 matches, one in the FA Cup, while also picking up some unfortunate injuries along the way.
The script has been flipped 180 degrees as Watford are now looking to climb their way back into the top 6 after dropping out and being overtaken by the likes of Wrexham, Derby, Preston and Bristol City. They now find themselves in 10th, with a 4-point gap to Wrexham in sixth.

Key Players

Jeremy Ngakia

Ngakia has averaged the second-highest match rating for Watford in the 25 games he’s featured in, with a 7.3/10. From right full-back, he’s scored twice, bagging both in a 2-1 win over Oxford, also registering 4 assists.
A very progressive defender, playing similar to how we see Lewie Coyle play for the Tigers, not afraid to push on and put a ball into the box, but also robust when defending, with over 6.5 duels won per 90.

Imran Louza

Louza is widely regarded as one of the top talents across the division, and for good reason, with the highest average match rating in the Championship (7.7/10), let alone for Watford, featuring in 25 games for the Hornets so far.
The Hornets’ skipper has scored 6 goals and notched 6 assists this season, already eclipsing his tally from last season after just over half of the games played.
It’s safe to say that Louza will be playing in the Premier League next season with or without Watford, and will no doubt pose a huge threat for City to try to nullify.

Luca Kjerrumgaard

The Dane is Watford’s top scorer with 7 goals in 27 appearances, playing as a ‘Number Nine’ for the Hornets. Kjerrumgaard is a physical presence, winning over 3.5 aerial duels per 90, while also averaging just over 2 shots per game.

Their Last Few

Bristol City 5 - 1 Watford (FA Cup)
Watford 0 - 2 Millwall
Watford 1 - 1 Portsmouth
Blackburn Rovers 1 - 1 Watford
Watford 0 - 2 Swansea City

Head to Head

One of the most evenly balanced matchups City have in the Championship, in the last 15 meetings between the two sides, 5 have been won by the Tigers, 5 by the Hornets, and the remaining 5 ending level, perfectly poised for one of the two to tip it in their favour.

The Tigers are winless in their last 5 games against Watford, the most recent one ending in defeat after City bottled their half-time lead and were made to pay for not taking their chances in the first half earlier this season.

The last win for the Tigers came in 2023 when City narrowly won 1-0 with their only shot on target (a penalty!).

Predictions

Starting Lineup

Goalkeeper: Ivor Pandur

Left Back: Akin Famewo
Centre Back: John Egan
Centre Back: Charlie Hughes
Right Back: Lewie Coyle

Midfield: Regan Slater
Midfield: John Lundstram
Midfield: Kieran Dowell

Left Wing: Liam Millar
Striker: Oli McBurnie
Right Wing: Joe Gelhardt

Scoreline

I think this is, again, going to be a tough test for the Tigers, with Watford eager to take their game in hand and close the gap to the top six to just one point, however, City have a point to prove themselves, a win would take them within one win away from leap-frogging both Coventry and Middlesbrough, or at the very least, finding themselves inside the top 2.

The players and manager will know that they need to react after what was a lacklustre performance on Saturday. I think they’ll see this one out with a 2-1 win, and if they do, is it time to start daring to dream?...