Watford vs Sheffield Utd prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2022-07-31 19:00.
After suffering relegation last term, Watford have gone for a change of tack with the appointment of Rob Edwards, the man who led Forest Green Rovers to promotion from League Two in 2021/22. Edwards is now the Hornets’ 19th appointment across the last decade, so starting strong is likely a must if he is to remain beyond Christmas.
The previous two managers were both at least 70 years of age, so we may see a fresh approach from the 39-year-old boss. A host of stars have left the club and with speculation around 2021/22 top scorer Emmanuel Dennis refusing to die down, the onus for goals may fall to Watford’s £5m+ new boy Vakoun Issouf Bayo, who bagged 11 times in the Belgian Pro League last season.
While Sheffield United did well to achieve a top-six finish after sitting in 16th when current boss Paul Heckingbottom was appointed, it was a disappointing end to the season as their promotion hopes were dashed by eventual play-off winners Nottingham Forest. Hoping for better this time around, summer signing Reda Khadra has already stated his intent to open his Blades account in this very game.
Playing against a freshly relegated side is often a daunting task in this division, but with a return of nine points from a possible 12 in four clashes against relegated opponents last term (W3, L1), Sheffield United may be confident of a strong start. However to continue building on that record, the Blades must improve on their return of one win across the last eight season openers (D1, L6).
Players to watch: A single strike may not be enough for Watford’s Bayo, each of his last four scoring appearances saw him net a brace. As for Sheffield United, Khadra looks to build upon his seven Championship goal contributions for Blackburn last term (G4, A3) but just one of those goals came away from home.
Hot stat: Watford are unbeaten in 14 of their last 15 season opening league games (W8, D6).