EFL Championship: Game Week 43
Stadium: Vicarage Road
19th April 2023
Watford is set to host Cardiff City on Wednesday at Vicarage Road. Who will come out on top after 90 minutes?
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With rumours swirling about a potential managerial change at Watford, all eyes were on Chris Wilder over the weekend as he aims to keep his team in the playoff hunt. While Wilder has not yet turned things around at Vicarage Road, a crucial 2-0 win over Bristol City has kept the Hornets within touching distance of the top six.
With matches against a relegation-threatened side, a direct rival, and two teams with little to play for remaining on their schedule, Wilder will believe that his team can collect the necessary 10 points from their final four games to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Although Watford have struggled to impress at home this season, they have still managed to pick up 36 points from 21 matches at Vicarage Road, which is the seventh-best record in the division. They have also been solid defensively, having conceded only four goals in their last five matches, with three of those coming in the loss to Huddersfield Town. However, they managed to keep a clean sheet in their latest win, which ended a run of conceding seven goals in three matches.
Watford Predicted lineup
Bachmann; Andrews, Porteous, Hoedt, Kamara; Sarr, Kone, Choudhury, Louza, Pedro; Davis
Cardiff City Form
Cardiff's hopes of avoiding relegation have taken a hit following consecutive losses to Sunderland and Sheffield United, having previously appeared to be pulling away from the drop zone. While Sabri Lamouchi oversaw a run of 13 points in eight matches, his overall record of a point per game from 13 games leaves room for improvement.
Cardiff still have a game in hand and their fate is in their own hands, but they have tough fixtures against Rotherham United and Huddersfield Town yet to come. These games could prove to be crucial in determining their fate.
Although the Bluebirds' future in the Championship is still uncertain, Lamouchi recognizes that securing at least a draw against Hertfordshire and maintaining a superior goal difference to their rivals could play a significant role in their survival bid.
Cardiff City possible lineup
Allsop; McGuinness, Kipre, Simpson; Ng, Rinomhota, Wintle, O'Dowda; Philogene, Kaba, Ojo
Watford vs Cardiff City Expert Tips
Watford's recent victory put an end to their four-match winless streak. They have only lost one of their past nine home matches. On the other hand, Cardiff City is currently on a two-game losing streak and has only won once in their last six matches. They have been facing difficulties in their away games, making them susceptible to a loss in this fixture. Expect less than 2.5 goals in the game.