Swansea vs Watford prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2022-12-29 19:45.
Although a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Reading last time out left Swansea in 16th place, they could end 2022 around the playoff places with just three points separating 11 sides, such is the competitiveness of this Championship campaign. Swans boss Russell Martin bemoaned his side’s “mentality in both boxes” after the Reading game and with Martin reportedly amongst the frontrunners for the vacant Norwich job, Swansea find themselves in a tough spot.
A return to the Liberty Stadium will be welcome news as Swansea remain unbeaten in five of their last six games here (W4, D1). The sole defeat came in their most recent home game against Norwich though (0-1), whilst their tepid record as pre-match favourites at home raises further concern (W5, D2, L3).
Right in the thick of the playoff picture but just five points above Swansea in the standings are Watford, a side contending with their own issues after losing their top league scorer João Pedro to injury in a 2-0 defeat to Millwall last time out. Pedro is the Hornets’ only scorer across the last six rounds (G4), so manager Slaven Bilić’s comment that “it doesn’t look good” is a worry for the team.
Despite that negative, Watford have been flying away from home and have won as many games across their last four league trips (W3, D1) as they managed in the 22 prior. It maybe wouldn’t be a massive shock if Watford overcome their underdog status here then, despite winning just one away league game this term when priced up as the outsider (W1, D1, L2).
Players to watch: Liam Cullen is surely pushing for a spot in the starting XI after scoring in back-to-back games from the bench for Swansea. In the absence of Pedro, Watford may look to IsmaĂŻla Sarr for an outlet. The Senegal World Cup star scored an away winner for Watford last month and also scored in the reverse H2H.
Hot stat: Swansea’s only calendar year ending victory across the last nine such games came against Watford (D5, L3).