Watford versus Millwall – One win is all it takes for Watford to clinch automatic promotion. Their upcoming clash against Millwall at Vicarage Road gives them a great opportunity to do just that.
Watford Versus Millwall Pre-Match Report
Preview Ahead Of Potential Promotion Clincher
This season, Watford’s home record has been immaculate – the league’s best by a considerable margin. However, Millwall’s away form has also been impressive. In fact, the Hornets only have one more point on their travels than Millwall have this season. But, when considering home and away form, Watford’s 17-2-2 Vicarage Road record appears more significant than the Lions’ away form.
Both sides know what is at stake here. For Watford, a win means automatic promotion (though there is a scenario where Brentford and Bournemouth draw in the early kickoff, which would mean Watford only need a draw). On the other hand, Millwall are well out of the promotion race but also mathematically clear of relegation. Though, as Watford learned in their defeat against Luton Town, clubs should not be expected to play as if they have nothing to play for.
After a three-match winning run, Millwall are without a victory in their last three. A 3-0 defeat against Swansea City was followed by a 0-0 draw against Brentford. And, last time out, Millwall lost 4-1 to an impressive Bournemouth. Their fixtures have not been kind, and Watford will be hoping to ensure their clash is no nicer.
Before Watford’s 1-0 defeat against Luton, they were on a spell of 11 wins in 13 matches, allowing them to overtake Brentford and Swansea City for the second spot. A bounce-back performance against league-leaders Norwich City was needed last time out, and that is exactly what the Hornets provided. A more-than-deserved 1-0 victory at Carrow Road has put the Hornets on the brink of an immediate Premier League return.
Tom Cleverley could continue to play in the starting eleven following his first start since obtaining an injury at the beginning of March. Watford’s core midfield-three of Nathaniel Chalobah, Will Hughes and Cleverley could be fully restored as Chalobah also returned from injury from the bench against Norwich after acquiring an injury on April 9. Kiko Femenia is also available for the Hornets after serving his one-match suspension.
Watford Versus Millwall Score Prediction
Watford are favourites to win this match. Between them having automatic promotion to play for and Millwall’s season over in pushes on both ends of the table, the Hornets have many more reasons for motivation. If Watford play nearly at the level they did against Norwich and/or Millwall played how they did against Bournemouth, then promotion for the Hornets is sure to be clinched Saturday.
However, as this season has proved time and time again, anything is possible. No match should be expected to be a walk in the park. If Watford let complacency seep in, Millwall have what it takes to grab a result. After all, the Lions took a point in the reverse fixture at the Den. Gary Rowett has already tactically held Watford once, so it is not as if it can’t happen again.
Still, predicting against Watford here would be difficult. Xisco Munoz knows how to carry momentum between matches. Like for like, Watford are one of the best teams (or even the single best team) in the Championship. Joao Pedro, who has not been amongst the goals lately, showed more signs of liveliness against the already-promoted Canaries. The backline has been as solid as ever. And, playing at Vicarage Road, most factors of the match point to a Hornets’ victory and promotion.
Anything can happen. Millwall are no easy opposition. Do not write them off. Nonetheless, the Hornets should pick up the priceless three points.
Score Prediction: Watford 2-0 Millwall
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