Preview: Watford vs. Blackburn Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups

Each side have accumulated four points from their opening three fixtures, providing them with the platform to move towards the top six in the standings with a win at Vicarage Road.

Match preview

Given the impulsive decision-making of Watford's owners, new head coach Valerien Ismael is aware that he must make a fast start to the campaign to convince the Pozzo family of his credentials.

As it stands, there can be few complaints, the Hornets sitting in ninth position and possessing the joint-best defensive record in the division.

The solitary goal that they have conceded in the second tier came in last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Stoke City, and Watford have now failed to score in two successive league games having previously posted a goalless draw with Plymouth Argyle.

Nevertheless, the opening-day 4-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers has brought Ismael some time while the club also look to make further signings before the September 1 deadline.

Ismael and Watford have playoff ambitions this season, and the same can be said of Blackburn, despite the financial cutbacks that have occurred at Ewood Park.

There has been speculation regarding the future of head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson, yet the Dane and the club's owners cannot be disappointed with their efforts in the first three games.

Having collected four points from matches with West Bromwich Albion and Rotherham United, Rovers appeared on course to defy a 16th-minute red card to see off Hull City last weekend.

That was until the Tigers scored twice in the final nine minutes to claim maximum points, leaving Tomasson to focus on the positives regarding the character of his team.

Getting points on the board is imperative, though, with Rovers needing to generate some momentum after a poor end to the last campaign cost them a place in the playoffs.

Watford Championship form:

Watford form (all competitions):

Blackburn Rovers Championship form:

Blackburn Rovers form (all competitions):

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Team News

James Morris may retain his spot at left-back for Sunday's game with Ismael hopeful that his withdrawal against Stoke was down to cramp.

However, changes could be made in midfield and attack, Ismael Kone, Yaser Asprilla and Giorgi Chakvetadze all pushing for opportunities.

If Kalmar forward Mileta Rajovic is registered in time, he could take his place on the substitutes' bench.

With Harry Pickering suspended for Blackburn, Callum Brittain is in line to start at right-back, with Joe Rankin-Costello switching to the left.

Either Sam Gallagher or Niall Ennis could come into the attack ahead of Harry Leonard, who has not scored since the opening weekend of the season.

Watford possible starting lineup:

Bachmann; Andrews, Porteous, Hoedt, Morris; Louza, Livermore, Asprilla; Sema, Bayo, Chakvetadze

Blackburn Rovers possible starting lineup:

Pears; Brittain, Carter, Hyam, Rankin-Costello; Travis, Wharton; Hedges, Szmodics, Dolan; Leonard

We say: Watford 2-0 Blackburn Rovers

On the back of two league games without a win, both sides will be eager to bounce back. While there is attacking talent in the two teams, we cannot ignore Watford's defensive record, leaving us to predict a hard-earned home success.

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