The Hornets travel to the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday to face Stoke City in a tie which looks set to be a close encounter. However, the recent historical head to head record between the two sides shows that Watford usually defeat the Potters, beating them on the last four occasions.
Stoke City
Stoke City started the season with an impressive 4-1 victory over Rotherham United, where they displayed confidence and free flowing football that was extremely difficult to contain as an opponent. Under Alex Neil, the Potters have showcased that they like to have possession of the ball and dictate the tempo of the game, even displaying that philosophy in the 2-0 away defeat to Ipswich last weekend.
However, on Saturday, it may be the Potters off the ball approach which allows them to be successful, as dominating the possession statistics against Watford have proven to be difficult this season. Neil will need the forward line to press effectively and with the energy they have up top, it would suit them to a tee. A player which showed great ability in round one was Andre Vidigal, who scored twice in the opener. Yet against Ipswich he struggled to get into the game and have any real impact, Stoke cannot afford a similar scenario to occur this weekend.
Watford
Watford haven’t really had a major test yet since the new season started, having played a poor QPR side and a recently promoted Plymouth team. Valerien Ismael has also shown his desire to install possession based principles into his team and they have registered 71% possession and 64% in their opening two games. Both of the Hornets matches have been played at Vicarage Road, so this weekend’s outing will be the first time they’ve been on their travels this season.
The tactical approach on the road may slightly differ to when at home and Ismael may wish to give the opposition slightly more possession, so that his side can adopt a more conservative approach. The Hornets are yet to concede a goal this season and they are the only team to have that statistic in the Championship, therefore playing to their defensive strengths when away from home may be the most successful tactic. Matheus Martins, Ken Sema and Vakoun Issouf Bayo on the counter attack being supplied by Imran Louza is a rather terrifying thought.
Verdict?
Both sides will attempt to sustain spells of possession in the game, which will lead to a close encounter rather than a tennis like game. There isn’t much to separate the two sides and as we are yet to see Watford away from home, a draw is quite likely.
The final prediction is Stoke City 1-1 Watford.
