Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Championship match.
Despite conceding three goals in their last away fixture, Preston North End will be a threat at Deepdale, even though they are struggling this season. Watford will aim for victory, but their ambitions might remain just dreams.
Preston North End
Preston North End have yet to find their rhythm. Their only victory, against Luton Town, came on the adrenaline surge following Paul Heckingbottom's appointment, and it soon became clear what kind of form Luton are in. The team's home results are slightly better than their away form, with one win, one draw, and one loss (+1=1−1), a 1:2 record in the Championship, along with a 2:0 win over Sunderland and a 1:1 draw in regular time against Fulham in the League Cup. Apart from their first match against Sheffield United (0:2), Preston haven’t conceded more than one goal in any game. It can be seen as an achievement that they halted Blackburn Rovers' 14-match scoring streak, including friendlies.
Watford
Watford are less formidable away from Vicarage Road: one win and two losses in the current Championship season, and over their last 10 away matches, they have secured three wins, two draws, and five losses. All victories were by a single goal. In their latest away match, Watford allowed Norwich City to score four goals, whereas they hadn't scored more than two at home prior. Preston must capitalise on this.
Preston North End vs Watford Prediction
Preston North End’s home matches haven’t been high-scoring affairs. Total under 2.5 has hit in all five home games, but Watford’s away games have been more open, with total over 2.5 occurring in three out of four. Therefore, predicting the game total could be risky. A safer bet would be backing Preston to at least avoid defeat with a handicap. If they don't win, you get your stake back.
