Watford
- Javi Gracia has performed a major tactical overhaul at Watford in the second half of this season, and they are unbeaten in their last three home games, most recently beating Middlesbrough 3-0 in a convincing display.
- Gracia has made Watford a more compact and selective pressing side, with a more controlled tempo of play and an emphasis on sharp, incisive counter-attacks.
- Watford have scored an average of 1.75 and conceded 1.00 goals per home Championship game this term, so their home games have been open at Vicarage Road, something to consider for those looking for Watford vs Preston North End betting tips.
Preston North End
- Paul Heckingbottom’s side are currently fourth in the Championship table with 26 points from 15 games, six more than their opponents sit below them in 15th with 20 from the same number of games.
- Preston North End are unbeaten in their last five games, winning three and drawing two.
- Heckingbottom’s 4-2-3-1 formation is built on a solid and structured base, and they’re a patient side that likes to work the ball up from their back four to their wide areas, where they overload opposition defences with wingers and full-backs; this tactical discipline is an important factor for any Watford vs Preston North End prediction.
Head-to-Head
Preston North End have won two and drawn one of the last three Championship head-to-head games.
Key Players
- Preston North End
- Brad Potts is a key player for them on the right-hand side of midfield, where his pace and directness provide a focal point for their build-up play.
- Milutin Osmajic has scored the most with four in 11 Championship matches.
- Alan Browne provides their main influence in the centre of the park, where he provides an anchor and breaks up play in order to spring their counter-attack.
- Watford
- Imran Louza is the club’s most prolific player in the Championship this term with six goals from 12 games, and he’s scored four of Watford’s last eight Championship goals.
Betting Insights
- Watford are the favorites at 2.1, while Preston North End are 3.46 and the draw is 3.3.
- Both Teams To Score is 1.91 here, an option worth considering for our Watford vs Preston North End betting tips.
Prediction
A close game is expected here, with both sides boasting a similar tendency to draw games, as both Gracia and Heckingbottom will set their teams up to be solid at the back and not give up too many chances.
