Preview: Watford vs. Huddersfield Town - prediction, team news, lineups

At a time when the Hornets sit six points adrift of the top six with seven matches remaining, Huddersfield can move outside of the relegation zone for the first time in months with a win at Vicarage Road.

Match preview

On separate occasions under different managers this season, Watford have been regarded as one of the favourites for promotion, yet they head into their final seven matches as clear outsiders.

With new boss Chris Wilder collecting just four points from as many matches, the Hornets are now down in 11th position and under pressure to produce a near-perfect run-in.

Although Watford have lost just four times in 19 games on familiar territory, there have been six draws, stalemates which have ultimately proven to be the distance.

Having been held by bottom-placed Wigan Athletic, Watford made the short trip to Luton Town and departed with a 2-0 defeat to their rivals, who are managed by the first head coach of the season in Rob Edwards.

While Watford have no direct rivals remaining on their schedule, it remains to be seen whether that will prove to be an advantage or not.

Opponents Huddersfield make the long trip to Hertfordshire having put together their best form of the season, collecting seven points from three games.

Neil Warnock has accumulated 11 points from his eight matches in charge of the Terriers, their last two contests ending in wins over promotion contenders Millwall and Middlesbrough.

Huddersfield were trailing 1-0 at half time to the latter before producing one of the most stunning revivals of the season, scoring four times in the first 19 minutes after the restart on their way to a 4-2 success.

As a result of Reading's six-point penalty, Huddersfield now sit within touching distance of 20th place and higher, and maximum points being earned on Friday would move the club outside of the relegation zone for the first time since August.

Watford Championship form:

L

D

L

W

D

L

Huddersfield Town Championship form:

L

D

L

D

W

W

Team News

Wilder must decide whether to persist with his 3-5-2 formation or add an extra playmaker given Watford's need for three points.

Ismael Kone or Imran Louza could potentially drop out of the team to allow for Ismaila Sarr to return in the final third.

Although Wilder has numerous alternatives at his disposal, he may retain the rest of the team which started at Luton.

Duane Holmes needed to be withdrawn less than half-hour into his return from injury versus Middlesbrough and is expected to miss out here.

Ben Jackson should be used on the left flank in his place, with Warnock likely to show preference to keeping with the rest of the side which starred versus the promotion contenders.

Watford possible starting lineup:

Bachmann; Porteous, Cathcart, Hoedt; Ngakia, Choudhury, Louza, Sema; Pedro, Davis, Sarr

Huddersfield Town possible starting lineup:

Vaclik; Pearson, Lees, Helik, Ruffels; Hogg, Edmonds-Green; Koroma, Rudoni, Jackson; Ward

We say: Watford 2-1 Huddersfield Town

With Wilder not having had the desired impact at Watford, Huddersfield will sense an opportunity to earn a potentially-pivotal win. However, we are backing the Hornets to battle their way to an important victory, their extra quality in the final third ultimately shining through.

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