Preview: Watford vs. Sunderland - prediction, team news, lineups

Although Watford are only one point adrift of the Black Cats, Rob Edwards is under pressure to turn around a sharp drop off in form since the start of the campaign.

Match preview

With 13 points from nine matches, there will be some Watford supporters - maybe even head coach Edwards - who are content with their start to life back in the Championship.

Nevertheless, such is the Watford way that Edwards appears to be under pressure to get the Hornets back on track, even if they have only suffered two defeats in nine league games.

Edwards knew the score when he departed Forest Green Rovers to move to Vicarage Road, but a change in direction at this stage would be harsh even by Watford's standards.

As it stands, they sit two points adrift of third spot, although the manner of the 2-0 defeat at Blackburn Rovers is the biggest cause of concern right now.

While facing an in-form Sunderland side has arguably come at the wrong time, it is also a match which could ensure that Watford raise their game.

Some will argue that describing Sunderland as in form is an exaggeration with the Black Cats yet to record successive wins since their return to the second tier.

However, Tony Mowbray has two wins from three games to his name, each of them coming by 3-0 scorelines against Rotherham United and Reading respectively.

The latter of those successes was particularly impressive, moving to within one point of their opponents who are still in fourth despite a heavy defeat.

Patrick Roberts took his opportunity in place of the injured Ross Stewart, chipping in with two goals, while Jack Clarke continued his brilliant form on the left with his sixth contribution in the final third.

Watford Championship form:

Watford form (all competitions):

Sunderland Championship form:

Team News

Having twisted his ankle during the defeat at Blackburn, Ismaila Sarr is expected to miss out for Watford at the weekend.

Keinan Davis is in line to return to the side in attack, while Mario Gaspar may get the nod over Jeremy Ngakia at right wing-back.

Kortney Hause and Hassane Kamara are the closest to returning to the squad after a spell on the sidelines.

Ellis Simms suffered a toe injury against Reading, something which may tempt Mowbray into handing a start to Leon Dajaku down the middle.

Elliot Embleton should also come into the starting lineup after chipping in with two assists as a substitute.

Watford possible starting lineup:

Bachmann; Cathcart, Kabasele, Sierralta; Gasper, Choudhury, Kayembe, Sema; Pedro; Davis, Bayo

Sunderland possible starting lineup:

Patterson; O'Nien, Batth, Alese; Gooch, Neil, Evans, Clarke; Embleton, Roberts; Dajaku

We say: Watford 1-1 Sunderland

Sunderland will feel confident about taking advantage of what appears to be a lack of confidence and harmony in the Watford ranks. However, the Hornets still possess quality players, leading us to predict a competitive draw being played out at Vicarage Road.

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