Watford will host Swansea City in the Championship on Saturday. The visitors, who are now only two points behind their opponents in 12th position in the rankings. They will be arriving at Vicarage Road after two straight victories.
Preview (Watford vs. Swansea City)
Early in the season, Watford’s management demonstrated their commitment to keeping the Frenchman in charge by giving Valerien Ismael a long-term contract. Nonetheless, the Pozzo family’s patience will surely be put to the test after six losses in seven games. They will realize that their chances of being promoted are nearly gone for another season. Watford has only triumphed against Queens Park Rangers and Rotherham United in their 12 league games together. Both teams were in the bottom three when they met. Their last-gasp FA Cup victory over non-league Chesterfield was their only other victory. In their last six Championship games, they have suffered five losses.
The Hertfordshire-based team’s attitude has soured as a result of losses to Millwall and Huddersfield Town. Ismael will need to get the Hornets back on track against Swansea or Coventry City in two home games. Swansea is currently sitting lower in the table than Watford. After two straight victories, there is optimism for the Welsh team. Despite only being hired in January, Luke Williams is feeling pressure in the dugout. Victories over Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers have helped him gain the respect of the fans.
Both times, Swansea jumped out to an early two-goal lead before conceding in the second half. They needing to muster some resiliency to earn all possible points. Williams would have understandably enjoyed a more easier result, but Swansea’s resilience is encouraging given that they are still only four points above the bottom three.
Team News
Given Watford’s present on-field troubles, Ismael is expected to make alterations to his starting lineup despite the lack of serious injury worries. Mileta Rajovic, Ryan Andrews, and Ibrahim Kone are all expected to be called up to the right-back position, as well as to central midfield and attack, respectively. Ryan Porteous can anticipate being picked in the middle of defense if Francisco Sierralta is shifted back into a defensive-midfield role. Williams, on the other hand, might not see the need to change Swansea’s starting lineup with an extra day of rest.
If Williams would rather start new players, there are possibilities in midfield and attack with Jay Fulton and Jerry Yates. The stakes are high for both teams, even if they anticipate staying in the Championship because they know that a loss might result in them getting involved in a relegation battle. In light of this, don’t be shocked if Vicarage Road ends in a tie.
Watford 1-1 Swansea City
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