Preview: Watford vs. Queens Park Rangers - prediction, team news, lineups

At a time when the Hornets sit in second position in the standings, QPR are down in 17th spot after an indifferent start to the campaign.

Match preview

Such is the Watford way that there is seemingly never a dull moment when it comes to incomings and outgoings at Vicarage Road, and that has continued to be the case this week.

Since Sunday afternoon, there have been times when Ismaila Sarr and Joao Pedro have both looked on their way out of the club, but the forward pair are still at the Hornets at the present time.

Whether they will feature at the weekend is another matter, but head coach Rob Edwards will be focused on the games ahead with Watford sitting in second position.

Although just two of their five matches have ended in victory, their performances in defence have been impressive, and the foundations have been laid for an immediate return to the Premier League.

While losing at home to MK Dons in the EFL Cup in midweek came as a disappointment, Edwards will not mind in the long run with their focus being on second-tier matters.

Like Watford, much is expected of a QPR outfit under new management with Michael Beale arriving at the club with a growing reputation after his time working under Steven Gerrard.

However, collecting just five points from as many matches in the Championship means that the honeymoon period is very much over, the London side without a win in four matches in all competitions.

Their dramatic comeback at Sunderland was a high point, but it has been followed by two home fixtures against Blackpool and Rotherham United which have produced just one point.

At this stage, Beale will have few concerns long term, even if expectations may need to be lowered in the short term as he continues to find his feet in the main seat in the dugout.

Watford Championship form:

Watford form (all competitions):

Queens Park Rangers Championship form:

Queens Park Rangers form (all competitions):

Team News

With neither Sarr or Pedro likely to feature, Edwards will give consideration to selecting the same Watford XI from the goalless draw at Preston North End.

However, Aston Villa loanee Keinan Davis comes into contention for a debut in attack, while Kortney Hause is another option for Edwards with the defender arriving from the same club.

Despite the disappointment of only drawing with Rotherham, Beale may be content with selecting the same QPR starting lineup for this contest.

That would see summer arrival Tyler Roberts retain his place in the team ahead of Albert Adomah.

Jake Clarke-Salter and Taylor Richards are still sidelined for the Hoops.

Watford possible starting lineup:

Bachmann; Kabasele, Sierralta, Cathcart; Kamara, Choudhury, Kayembe, Sema; Asprilla; Bayo, Davis

Queens Park Rangers possible starting lineup:

Dieng; Laird, Dickie, Dunne, Paal; Johansen, Field; Roberts, Chair, Willock; Dykes

We say: Watford 2-0 Queens Park Rangers

The inconsistency of QPR means that they could very well rise to the occasion and claim at least a share of the spoils at Vicarage Road. However, despite the transfer activity at Watford right now, we are still backing them to collect maximum points.

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