Stoke vs Watford prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2023-08-18 14:00.
Stoke City couldnât become the first visiting side in more than a decade to win Ipswichâs opening home game of a new season (L 2-0), and consequently have played out four consecutive games across all competitions that were all won by the home side of the day. That began with their final round visit to Watford in 2022/23 (L 2-0), their 14th and final loss âto nilâ of the previous Championship season.
Theyâll this time be hoping for a clean sheet of their own, having already treated their home fans to wins in both the Championship (4-1 v Rotherham) and EFL Cup (2-1 v West Brom). But after starting eight summer signings in the loss to Ipswich, head coach Alex Neil is willing to be patient after identifying a lack of chemistry and synergy as one of many reasons for the defeat.
Watfordâs opening round 4-0 win over QPR already feels like an eternity ago after a humiliating five-day period in which they were dumped out of the EFL Cup by League One Stevenage before failing to score against Championship newcomers Plymouth (D 0-0). There was no panic from new manager ValĂ©rien IsmaĂ«l, who praised âthe performance, the attitude and the mentalityâ of his players against Plymouth despite the disappointing result.
If the Hornets are going to challenge for promotion this time around, theyâre going to have to improve dramatically on one of the Championshipâs worst away records of last season (W5, D9, L9). Their EFL Cup elimination at Stevenage was not a good sign, particularly as theyâve now played 11 straight away games across all competitions without a win (D4, L7).
Players to watch: After he opened the scoring against Rotherham, Stoke defender Ki-Jana Hoever has now scored in each of his clubâs last three Championship wins. Vakoun Bayo was on the scoresheet early against Stevenage, the fourth time he has scored in his last 12 competitive away appearances for Watford.
Hot stat: Stoke failed to register back-to-back home wins in the 2022/23 Championship season.