Watford vs Stoke City: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Both sides are hoping to make it two wins from two following opening day victories. This should be a very competitive game, but we are backing Watford to edge it and come away with the three points.

The hosts have won the last three meetings between the two sides at Vicarage Road, and this streak is likely to continue. Last season, Watford did not perform well at home, ranking 20th in the league in results but will hope to get off to a better start.

There are vulnerabilities for the Watford defence, therefore expect Stoke to get on the scoresheet. However, after scoring three last week, the home side should have enough to get over the line – Watford 2-1 Stoke City

Stoke City travel to take on Watford in their second game of the season, with both sides seeking to continue their winning starts to the campaign.

Date: 17/08/24

Kick-off time: 15:00

Venue: Vicarage Road

It was bottom half finishes for both Watford and Stoke last season, but they made the perfect start this time around as they look to improve and climb the table. Watford are in their third consecutive season in the second tier following their relegation in 2022, but have seen 11th and 15th place finishes with a return to the Premier League seemingly not on the horizon. However, they can make it two wins from two with victory this weekend after they beat Millwall 3-2 in a thrilling opening day victory.

Their opponents Stoke have failed to finish in the top half in each of the six seasons they have spent in the Championship since 2018. Although, they too picked up three points last weekend with a late Lewis Baker winner giving them a 1-0 victory over Coventry. Manager Steven Schumacher is in his second season in charge and will be trying to better last year’s 17th place finish.

Goalscoring was an issue for Stoke, with only five teams finding the net on fewer occasions. This is highlighted by the fact that their top scorer was Andre Vidigal with six goals, no other player scored five. To bolster their attack, they signed Sam Gallagher from Blackburn. The striker did not feature last week as he recovers from an injury picked up in pre-season, but his potential return could provide a huge boost to their frontline.

The Potters could have an opportunity to take advantage of a vulnerable Watford defence. The hosts conceded twice against Millwall, and kept just one clean sheet in seven pre-season games, which came against non-league Boreham Wood.

Mileta Rajovic was Watford’s top scorer last season with 10 goals, and he got off the mark with the 90th minute winner off the bench in their first game. Fellow forwards Edo Kayembe and Giorgi Chakvetadze were also on the scoresheet which is a welcome sign for the club. Stoke have not conceded a goal in their last four Championship games, so will provide a stern test for their attack.

This will be the 44th ever meeting between these two sides. There has been very little to split the pair, with Watford winning 18 games to Stoke’s 17 and eight draws. Stoke went through a brief period of domination with four wins in a row whilst they were in the Premier League, but since they have faced off in the second tier, it has shifted in the favour of Watford. In six Championship meetings, the Hornets have won four and lost two. However, they did not pick up a win in either game last season. Though in their wins, Watford have found great success in front of goal, scoring 11 in four. The two games last year were low scoring, ending 1-0 to Stoke in the first matchup before a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture.

Watford vs Stoke City will not be available to watch on TV in the UK.

Watford

Mattie Pollock suffered a clash of heads which required a lengthy stoppage last time out but he was able to finish the game. Vakoun Bayo started up front and will expect to do so again this weekend. Watford have no new injury concerns to contend with.

Stoke City

New goalkeeper signing Viktor Johansson made his debut in goal, and will resume these responsibilities as first choice. Ben Gibson also got the start as Stoke bolstered their defensive options and will play a key role this season. Sam Gallagher will hope to return after missing out last week.

Watford:

In their last five games, Watford have won two, lost two and drawn one. It was a mixed pre-season for Watford, but they got their Championship season off to the perfect start in dramatic fashion as they beat Millwall 3-2 away from home at the death. They had taken a two-goal lead through Edo Kayembe and Giorgi Chakvetadze, but Duncan Watmore scored a brace to peg them back, including an 88th minute equaliser. However, Mileta Rajovic restored the visitors’ advantage just two minutes later to pick up a huge three points early.

They lost the first game of this run 2-0 to League Two Gillingham, but responded well to pick up a 3-2 win at Scottish Premiership side Hibernian. They could not continue this momentum, though, as they were on the wrong end of the same result against Wycombe.

Their final pre-season game was against Premier League Brentford, and they came away with a 1-1 draw. The Bees took a very early lead, but Watford reacted shortly after as Moussa Sissoko levelled the score with a deflected effort.

Stoke City:

In their last five games, Stoke have won three and lost two. It had been a solid showing for Stoke in pre-season, as they looked ahead to new Championship campaign. They started the new season with a win, as they narrowly got past Coventry City 1-0 in their opener. There were limited chances for both with only three total shots on target, but the hosts made their chances count as Lewis Baker scored a 78th minute winner.

Their pre-season came to a close with a game against Dutch side Alkmaar. It concluded on a low note as they were defeated 1-0. This run of games started with a 2-1 win at lower league Crewe Alexandra, in which they came from behind thanks to an Andre Vidigal double.

A 1-0 Defeat to Stockport followed, but they responded well by getting past Bolton by the same scoreline. Million Manhoef’s strike proved the narrow difference between the two sides.

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