Preview: Watford vs. Bristol City - prediction, team news, lineups

The two clubs occupy 12th and 13th place respectively in the standings, the Hornets six points adrift of the playoffs and the visitors three points further behind.

Match preview

At one stage this week, it appeared that Watford were ready to change managers for the third time this season, even though Chris Wilder has taken charge of just six games.

However, the Hornets hierarchy reacted by branding such claims as "totally disrespectful", stating that Wilder would remain at the helm for the remaining five games of the season.

Watford have collected just five points from six games since his arrival, the Hertfordshire-based outfit most recently giving up a two-goal lead at Coventry to settle for a share of the spoils.

Having now failed to win in four matches, Watford sit down in 12th, six points behind sixth-placed Blackburn Rovers who possess a game in hand.

A lack of consistency at Vicarage Road has cost Watford, who have won just three times at their home ground since the World Cup.

Unless Bristol City win their remaining five games, they are not going to have any chance of snatching the final playoff spot, yet that may only galvanise Nigel Pearson's side.

Although the Robins have recently put together a three-match unbeaten streak, just two victories have been posted in eight games since the start of March.

Bristol City had been well on course to register a notable triumph over Middlesbrough on Easter Monday, only to give up a two-goal lead to settle for a share of the spoils.

Even if Bristol City fall short in the playoff race, as is expected, Pearson will want his team to end the campaign with a flourish and finish in the top 10.

Watford Championship form:

L

W

D

L

L

D

Bristol City Championship form:

W

L

L

D

W

D

Team News

Watford will be forced into at least one change after Britt Assombalonga sustained a hamstring injury in the early stages at Coventry.

Henrique Araujo appears likely to take his place down the centre unless Ken Sema is restored to the flank, allowing Joao Pedro to play more centrally.

Youngster Ryan Andrews will hope to retain his spot at right-back after making his first Watford start earlier this week, taking the spot of the injured Jeremy Ngakia.

While Pearson has an increasing number of options available to him after injuries, he may be happy to name the side which impressed against Middlesbrough.

Although Alex Scott is back in contention after a knee injury, Tomas Kalas and Joe Williams will again miss out.

Watford possible starting lineup:

Hamer; Andrews, Porteous, Hoedt, Kamara; Bacuna; Sarr, Choudhury, Louza, Pedro; Araujo

Bristol City possible starting lineup:

O'Leary; Tanner, Vyner, Pring, Dasilva; King, James; Cornick, Weimann, Bell; Wells

We say: Watford 2-1 Bristol City

Both clubs have to go all out for victory in this contest, particularly the visitors. That could lead to greater opportunities for Watford on the counter, who we are backing to edge this fixture with a decisive goal in the latter stages.

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