Preston vs Watford Prediction: ‘Orns can cause more Deepdale anguish

Having downed high-flying Sunderland at the weekend, Watford will hope to continue their positive start to the season as they travel north to Preston on Wednesday night (19:45, Sky Sports+). North End haven’t quite kicked on since the arrival of Paul Heckingbottom, with the club currently sitting in the bottom three on just five points. 

It means this game will have an impact on both ends of the table, and below you can find my Preston vs Watford prediction as the Hornets look to break into the top-six. 

Team News

Heckingbottom has work to do with his side. Sam Greenwood remains suspended, and now Milutin Osmajić has accepted the FA’s charge for biting, he will likely be handed a severe punishment. In terms of changes, Stefan Thordarson could come into the middle of the park, while Mads Frøkjær-Jensen may be chosen to add some flair to a misfiring attack. Robbie Brady and Kaine Kesler-Hayden may come into the full-back positions, or even as wing-backs if the former Sheff Utd manager decides to tinker with his defence. 

Meanwhile, Tom Cleverley doesn’t need to do too much given his side are in a good run of form. Tom Ince and Kwadwo Baah are options in the final third, while Angelo Ogbonna may need a rest having played the full 90 across the last two games at the age of 36. Daniel Bachmann remains sidelined so Jonathan Bond will continue in goal. 

Preston vs Watford Odds

Preston are priced at 8/5 to win this game, Watford are 9/5 and a draw can be backed at 11/5. Over 2.5 goals is 1/1, BTTS is 8/11 and Will Keane is the favourite to be the first goalscorer at 13/2. 

Watford to win @ 9/5 

Cleverley has massively impressed me with his tactical flexibility this season, and a Watford outfit that was expected to struggle is exceeding all expectations. They did well to get three points against Sunderland despite being second-best in the second half, and they’ve got a really functional side that has the ability in attacking areas to win matches.

The Hornets responded well to that heavy defeat at Norwich by pushing Man City all the way in the Carabao Cup, before beating Sunderland at home. I don’t think that they will be top-six challengers post-Christmas, but they can certainly feature in the top-half this term. That should be enough to see them past Preston, who I am growing increasingly concerned about.

I had them to finish 21st and just avoid relegation in my pre-season predictions, but that was with Ryan Lowe in charge. Given he lasted just 90 minutes, I thought I’d be proved wrong by Heckingbottom, but things haven’t improved at all. Clearly the issues are in attack, as PNE have managed just four goals in seven league matches to date, and with the current absentees, I can’t see that changing. Away win. 

Giorgi Chakvetadze to score anytime @ 16/5

My favourite member of this Watford side, and one of the most talented forwards in the division at this point in time. Chakvetadze has quickly become a favourite at Vicarage Road due to his mazy dribbles and ball-carrying skills and in my eyes, he should have more than one goal to his name this term. 

The Georgian had a sensational Euros, and has taken that form into this campaign. Playing as part of Cleverley’s front three, he has a licence to roam and I don’t think this Preston side will be able to deal with him, given they are lacking in confidence right now. I’m happy to back him to score at decent odds of 16/5. 

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