Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Championship match.
Both teams scored an unusually high number of goals in the last round. Even Watford, who occasionally hit three, poured in six. Will this anomaly continue, or will we see a dry, low-scoring game through their combined efforts?
Swansea City
The Welsh side played a particularly high-scoring game for themselves this season (2:1). Last season, a total over 2.5 occurred only twice, and even then, Swansea City never conceded more than one. Oxford United presented them with such excellent chances (2.57 xG) that it was hard not to score. Other opponents haven’t been as generous.
Watford
Watford played brilliantly in their previous match, winning 6:2 away against Sheffield Wednesday, and saw centre-forward Vakoun Bayo scored four goals, having previously scored just once in 11 matches. Will the same happen against Swansea City? No. Sheffield Wednesday is a team whose defence occasionally collapses, evidenced by a 4.10 xGA against Watford. They have also lost to Sunderland (0:4), Millwall (0:3), and rank third from the bottom in goals conceded (24).
Swansea City vs Watford Prediction
Ultimately, there won’t be many goals: in their last five meetings, a total under 2.5 has occurred more often (3 times). We wouldn't bet on a specific result given that Swansea City's performance at home is mediocre (17th place), and Watford is still 15th away. Choosing a total under 2.5 seems more logical, as it's the norm for their encounters.
