Preview: Watford v Leeds United – Team news, how to watch, prediction
Leeds United turn their attention back to the Championship on Tuesday night, with an away encounter against Watford.
Leeds crashed out of the FA Cup last time out against Millwall, but it provides a small positive in the sense that the Whites can now solely focus on achieving promotion with no distractions.
Daniel Farke’s side now have a two-point gap on Sheffield United in second, with a five-point cushion on Burnley.
Off the back of a 2-2 draw against Sunderland, Watford will be looking to strengthen their own hopes of achieving a top-six finish and Leeds will need to be up for the fight.
Preview
Leeds have no possible barriers in their way now as they look to return to the Premier League after last season’s disappointment. Their FA Cup exit may have provided a blow in terms of a cup run, but for the bigger picture, it’s a positive.
However, that defeat will have slowed down some of the momentum gained by the Whites in the league and a win against the Hornets will be a necessity.
Leeds secured three points against Coventry in their last league encounter but may need to showcase far more ruthlessness in the final third if they are to overcome Watford.
As for the hosts, they sit just three points outside of the play-off places and need to find consistency in their own game to achieve that.
Tom Cleverley’s side have won just one of their last 10, but will undoubtedly be up for the clash at Vicarage Road with a chance to cause an upset.
Championship Form Guide
Watford: WLLLD
Leeds United: WWDWW
Head to Head
Leeds United 2-1 Watford (October 2024)
Watford 2-2 Leeds United (March 2024)
Leeds United 3-0 Watford (September 2023)
Watford 0-3 Leeds United (April 2022)
Leeds United 1-0 Watford (October 2021)
Team news
Farke will likely have a near-full squad to choose from against Watford, aside from Patrick Bamford who is likely to miss out.
Not only that, but their heavy rotation against Millwall will have provided their starting 11 with a much-needed rest, and a chance to rejuvenate ahead of the clash.
As for the hosts, they will be without Vakoun Bayo who was absent from the Wearside clash due to suspension. It was the first of his three-game suspension [Leeds Live].
Several other injuries will prevent Cleverley from having too many options to choose from, with Kwadwo Baah, Rocco Vata and Daniel Bachmann among those sidelined.
Predicted lineups
Watford: Selvik, Andrews, Abankwah, Pollock, Larouci, Louza, Dele-Bashiru, Sissoko, Kayembe, Chakvetadze, Doumbia
Leeds United: Meslier, Bogle, Ampadu, Rodon, Firpo, Tanaka, Gruev, Aaronson, Solomon, Gnonto, Piroe
Where to watch Watford v Leeds United
The clash between the two promotion hopefuls will be broadcast live on Sky Sports + with the game scheduled to kick off at 7:45 pm GMT.
Prediction: Watford 0-2 Leeds United
Watford are going through a fairly horrid run of form despite their draw against Sunderland.
Just one win in their last 10 showcases their struggles although the return of Bayo will provide them with a huge boost for the clash.
Either way, Leeds should still have more than enough in the tank to secure a comfortable three points and continue their quest for promotion.