Watford vs Reading prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2022-09-09 14:00.
Despite playing Premier League (PL) football last season, Saturday’s draw away at Rotherham leaves Watford with just three wins to their name from their opening eight league fixtures (D4, L1). Such is the unpredictability of the Championship, the Hornets find themselves inside the play-off positions and with all three of their victories coming at Vicarage Road, they have already surpassed their dismal home record from last season’s PL campaign (W2, D2, L15).
Boss Rob Edwards will understand the significance of assembling a good Championship run at home, especially given Watford’s most recent promotion saw them win 12 of their concluding 13 fixtures at Vicarage Road. Yet, conceding first threatens to derail such a run, with Watford having now conceded the opening goal in four of their last five league fixtures, including the last two at home.
Paul Ince’s Reading certainly would not have been many people’s pick for a promotion push, but Sunday’s 2-1 victory at home to Stoke means the Royals occupied third place after eight rounds, just two points behind league leaders Sheffield United. Despite their promising start, Ince will be keen to address a less than favourable away record this season after three losses from four road trips (W1), with two 4-0 thrashings highlighting chinks in the Royal’s armour.
Reading will need to be on their guard then to pick up all three points at Vicarage Road on Saturday, though that is something they’ve achieved twice in their last four visits (W2, L2). However, with just the solitary goal scored away from home so far this campaign, it seems a tall order for Reading to add to that record despite Ince’s 100% managerial record against Watford (W2).
Players to watch: Watford will hope that their decision not to sell João Pedro this summer will eventually pay dividends, with the striker scoring just two goals so far this season, both between the 50th and 60th minute. Meanwhile, two of Lucas João’s three goals this campaign have proven to be the last goals of the match.
Hot stat: Six of Watford’s seven league goals conceded this season have come in the first half, whilst Reading have similarly conceded eight of their 11 goals against in the opening 45 minutes.