Watford vs Middlesbrough Prediction: Both the teams are in bad form at the moment

Watford will welcome Middlesbrough at Vicarage Road in Game Week 9 of the English Championship. Both the teams are in bad form at the moment. Who will come out on top after 90 minutes?

Although the Championship season is still in its early stages, Valerien Ismael is aware that there will soon be discussions about his future. Watford had a strong start by defeating Queens Park Rangers on the opening day, but since then they have only managed one win in seven games, which was a 2-0 victory over Birmingham City. Despite a three-match unbeaten run, their recent 3-0 loss to Leeds United highlighted a significant gap in quality between the two teams. Previously boasting the best defensive record in the league, Watford have now conceded eight goals in just four matches. On a positive note, they have only allowed three goals in five home fixtures at Vicarage Road, but this record will be tested by a resurgent Middlesbrough. Ismael is expected to make changes to his Watford starting lineup, with Giorgi Chakvetadze potentially getting his first Championship start. Edo Kayembe and Yaser Asprilla are also pushing for opportunities in midfield, and there might be a change in the team's system as well. 

Predicting the possible starting lineups, Watford's could be Bachmann, Andrews, Porteous, Hoedt, Lewis, Kayembe, Sierralta, Asprilla, Martins, Rajovic, and Chakvetadze

Michael Carrick's team has not met expectations this season, especially after reaching the playoffs last year. Nevertheless, their recent four-point haul from games against Sheffield Wednesday and Southampton has lifted spirits at the Riverside Stadium. Their 2-1 victory over Southampton was followed by a 2-0 win against Bradford City in the EFL Cup, where they have now advanced to the last 16 and will face Exeter City. However, their main focus remains on the league, as they aim to gather as many points as possible in their upcoming matches against Watford, Cardiff City, and Sunderland before the international break in order to move up from the bottom three. Middlesbrough will have Matt Crooks back after his suspension, while Rav van den Berg has a hamstring issue and Tommy Smith is ready to fill in. However, Alex Bangura and Marcus Forss will probably only be fit enough for the substitutes' bench. Sam Greenwood, on loan from Leeds United, will likely remain as a substitute. 

Middlesbrough's could be Dieng, Smith, Fry, Lenihan, O'Brien, Howson, Hackney, Jones, Crooks, McGree, and Coburn

Based on recent results, some argue that Middlesbrough are now the favorites to win. However, it's important not to get carried away by their short-term form, and a low-scoring draw is the most likely outcome. Taking double change on the away side is the way to go forward. We expect under 2.5 goals in the game.