Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Championship match.
In the 28th round, Watford have an excellent opportunity to finally secure a home win after two matches without one, as Preston North End have failed to win their last three encounters.
Watford
Watford's last victory at Vicarage Road came on Boxing Day against Portsmouth (2:1). They subsequently suffered identical 1:2 losses to Cardiff City and Sheffield United. Does this suggest a crisis? Not at all. These are, in fact, their only home defeats of the season. Watford have won nine out of 13 home matches. Last Saturday, they achieved an impressive away victory against Derby County (2:0), a rare feat as they have only three away wins.
Preston North End
In the 27th round, Preston North End managed not to lose away to one of the main relegation contenders, Luton Town (0:0), but this is often their maximum result away from home: six draws and six losses, with just one win over Cardiff City (2:0), who were in 21st place at the time. And where is Watford now? They are eighth, trailing sixth-placed West Bromwich Albion only on goal difference.
Watford vs Preston North End Prediction
The team ranked fourth in the home table should comfortably defeat the side ranked 19th in the away standings. Even Preston's tendency to draw games (13 out of 27 matches), won't save them this time.
