Bristol City vs Watford
EFL Championship
Saturday
20th January 2024
Ashton Gate Stadium
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the EFL Championship fixture between Bristol City and Watford.
Bristol City vs Watford: Preview
Bristol City form analysis
The Robins’ recent form has been inconsistent. One win, two draws and two losses from their past five Championship matches. This period began positively on December 23rd as Bristol edged Hull City 3-2 in an entertaining match, led by Tommy Conway’s goal and assist. Things got even better on Boxing Day as Bristol hammered Watford 4-1 away, a dominant display thanks to goals from Cam Pring, William Hoedt (OG), Marley Sykes and Andreas Weimann.
However, back-to-back 0-0 draws with Birmingham City away and then Millwall at home over the New Year frustrated Bristol’s momentum. This inability to build on earlier attacking displays proved costly as they suffered a 2-0 home loss to Preston on January 13th with Will Keane netting twice in the second half for Preston. Based on these mixed results, Bristol is capable of putting together impressive performances but lacks consistency both offensively and defensively to string together positive results. Addressing these fluctuations could provide stability needed in their bid to avoid relegation.
Watford form analysis
Watford’s recent form has fluctuated between the sublime and disappointing. Two wins, two draws and a loss from their past five Championship matches. This rollercoaster run began with an impressive 2-1 away victory at Blackburn on December 23rd. Coming from behind late through goals from Mario Rajović and Ryan Healey. However, an error-strewn display saw them thrashed 4-1 at home by Bristol City on Boxing Day.
Watford stopped the rot with a 1-1 away draw against Stoke on December 30th thanks to Jason Livermore’s opener before sharing six goals in a thrilling 3-3 draw away to Plymouth on New Year’s Day. Showing their unpredictability, Watford then grinded out an excellent 2-1 away win at Queens Park Rangers on January 14th with Livermore bagging a brace. Based on these up and down results, Watford clearly has abundant attacking talent but tend to struggle defensively against quality opposition, making for entertaining but inconsistent displays. Finding greater solidity could help drive their promotion bid.
