The hosts' winless run has dragged on: Watford vs Preston prediction
The sixth-round Championship match between Watford and Preston will take place on 8 September at Vicarage Road. The hosts are now winless in five matches across all competitions, while the visitors have finally ended a run of four consecutive league defeats.
Watford: five matches without a win
Alessio Dionisi's side made a good start to the season but then lost momentum sharply. In their last four league matches, Watford have drawn twice and suffered two defeats, while in the League Cup they were surprisingly beaten 5-1 by Peterborough.
After five rounds, the Hornets have collected five points and sit in the lower half of the table. However, they have looked much more reliable at home, taking four points from their opening two home league matches.
Preston: first victory after a difficult start
Preston began the league campaign with four consecutive defeats, conceding nine goals during that run. However, Paul Heckingbottom's side finally won in the previous round, beating Blackburn 2-1.
Callum Lang was the hero of the match, scoring twice before half-time. Nevertheless, the visitors' defence remains a concern — they have conceded 10 goals in five Championship matches.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Watford are winless in five consecutive matches across all competitions.
- Preston have conceded 10 goals in their opening five league matches.
- Preston are unbeaten in their last five head-to-head meetings with Watford.
Both teams may struggle to take all three points: Watford vs Preston prediction
Watford look the stronger side at home, but their prolonged winless run makes it difficult to consider them clear favourites. Preston received an emotional boost from their victory over Blackburn, although their defence remains unstable.
Given the teams' current form and recent head-to-head meetings, an evenly balanced contest without a clear advantage for either side looks the more logical expectation.
