MansionBet Match Preview: Watford (H)

Fellow high-flyers Watford, who are looking to bounce back to the top flight at the first time of asking, sit only one point behind the Robins fifth in the table ahead of the midweek clash at Ashton Gate.

In partnership with MansionBet, here’s a preview of what you can expect from the fixture.

Dean Holden's men made it three from three with maximum points at home for the first since September in Saturday's 1-0 win over Derby County.

It was also Famara Diédhiou's first goal of the season, with the striker needing one touch to set himself before striking a low left-footed shot beyond David Marshall.

It was the perfect response with league action back after an international break which saw the club hit by Covid-19.

Not forgetting injuries either, with the likes of Nathan Baker, Andreas Weimann, Liam Walsh, Joe Williams and Steven Sessegnon all long-term absentees. Holden confirmed in his pre-Watford press conference that midfield pair Walsh and Williams will not be available before Christmas.  Meanwhile, Tyreeq Bakinson continues to self-isolate after receiving a positive Covid-19 test but Han-Noah Massengo is now back training.

Yet the Robins were still able find a way through a possession-controlling Derby County and earn the important three points which sends Holden's side up to third in the table.

Wednesday night's opponents Watford are also in the mix in these early stages, perhaps to be expected with a wealth of talent from their Premier League days: Ben Foster, Étienne Capoue, Tom Cleverly to name but a few recognised faces. Joäo Pedro has proved himself a popular figure since joining the Hornets in January and he leads the goal charts, while Ken Sema has laid on four assists, one of those a stoppage-time pass for Ismalia Sarr's winner against Stoke City.

The aerial duels make for an interesting match up. City's top two (Chris Martin, 3.8, and Tomas Kalas, 3.4) average better overall headers won compared to Craig Cathcart and Christian Kabasele (both 3.3), and City average more headers won with 21.8% compared to Watford's 18.7%.

On the ball, the visitors to BS3 enjoy slightly more possession (51.2% average this season), compared to City's 48.7%. However, the Robins can boast more goals to this point and with Antoine Semenyo leading the assists charts (6) - Chris Martin just two behind him - and Diédhiou buoyed by getting off the mark, the Watford back line will need to be wary this Wednesday night.

As for Hornets boss Vladimir Ivić, he has confirmed Stipe Perica and Christian Kabasele are available for selection on Wednesday, though Cleverly is a doubt. Adam Masina and Will Hughes remain unavailable.

MATCH DETAILS 

Where: Ashton Gate Stadium
When: Wednesday, November 25th, 7.45pm KO
Competition: Sky Bet Championship

Referee: Dean Whitestone
Assistants: Mark Pottage and Nick Greenhalgh
Fourth official: John Brooks