Preview: Watford vs. Rotherham United - prediction, team news, lineups

However, the Hornets sit just seven points ahead of 22nd-placed Rotherham in the standings, who themselves have avoided being beaten in their last two fixtures.

Match preview

With Watford having taken the surprise decision to hand him a new contract, head coach Valerien Ismael has some level of security in the Vicarage Road dugout.

Nevertheless, the show of faith is an indication that the Hornets board are expecting a playoff push, something which is not materialising despite their recent improvements.

Nine points have been accumulated from five matches - Watford posting two wins and three draws - yet they remain as low as 16th position in the table.

Improvements in defence have been key with three clean sheets being recorded in four matches, but you have to go back to September 2 for the last time that Watford scored more than twice in a game.

Just three wins have been posted at their Hertfordshire home in eight outings, those victories coming against Queens Park Rangers, Birmingham City and Sheffield Wednesday.

Rotherham fall into a similar bracket as QPR and Sheffield Wednesday with the trio making up the current relegation zone and being four points adrift of safety.

Nevertheless, Matt Taylor will be quietly encouraged about the progression of his side, who have lost just one of their most recent five fixtures.

As well as earning a share of the spoils at Southampton, the Millers played out a 2-2 draw with second-placed Ipswich Town in midweek, netting their leveller in added-on time.

Ona negative note, though, Rotherham have the worst away record in the second tier, losing six of their seven contests and scoring just the three goals.

Watford Championship form:

L

D

W

W

D

D

Rotherham United Championship form:

L

D

W

L

D

D

Advert - content below:

Team News

Watford boss Ismael may make changes to his midfield and attack after they failed to overcome an injury-hit Huddersfield side last time out.

Ismael Kone, Matheus Martins and Mileta Rajovic will all feel that they are in contention for recalls.

Ryan Andrews could also return at right-back, but another clean sheet could see Ryan Porteous remain among the replacements.

Taylor must decide whether to start Daniel Ayala in the Rotherham defence after the Spaniard came through 58 minutes versus Ipswich.

Cafu may drop out of the side after starting in an unfamiliar role on the left with Sebastian Revan and Arvin Appiah both alternatives.

Georgie Kelly and Jordan Hugill could stay on the substitutes' bench after Sam Nombe impressed last time out.

Watford possible starting lineup:

Bachmann; Ngakia, Sierralta, Hoedt, Lewis; Kayembe, Livermore, Kone; Asprilla, Bayo, Martins

Rotherham United possible starting lineup:

Johansson; Lembikisa, Ayala, Odoffin, Bramall; Tiehi, Clucas; Onyedinma, Rathbone, Appiah; Nombe

We say: Watford 2-1 Rotherham United

Rotherham may benefit from Watford pushing for maximum points in this fixture, freeing up space at the back. However, the Hornets' superior quality should shine through, particularly at Vicarage Road when they are aware that draws are becoming less valuable.

Previews by email