Watford vs Stoke City Prediction: Stoke won first game under new manager

Watford will welcome Stoke City at Vicarage Road in Game Week 25 of the English Championship. Stoke has won their first game under the new manager while Watford's Camp will be nervous going into the fixture. Who will come out on top after 90 minutes?

Leading up to Boxing Day, it seemed like Watford was progressing in the right direction in their quest to make the playoffs. However, their 4-1 home loss to Bristol City has changed the outlook. Before the year's end, they have only managed to accumulate seven points from five games. It appears that Watford's owners, who are known for making quick changes, are taking a different approach in the 2023-24 season by seeking stability. Valerien Ismael understands the importance of keeping his team close to the top six. Currently, Watford is just two points behind that position, highlighting the missed opportunity from Tuesday's match. Nevertheless, the team has a chance to recover quickly. It's worth noting that Watford has been unsuccessful in their last three games at Vicarage Road, which their upcoming opponents will be aware of. Ismael is faced with the task of finding a solution at left-back due to Jamal Lewis's hamstring injury. Jeremy Ngakia may be chosen to fill in on that side of the defence. Ryan Porteous could potentially be brought in to the central defense, while Giorgi Chakvetadze and Vakoun Bayo are expected to start further forward. It is also possible that Daniel Bachmann, the previous first-choice goalkeeper, may get a chance to play.

The possible starting lineup for Watford is Hamer; Andrews, Sierralta, Porteous, Ngakia; Livermore; Asprilla, Kayembe, Kone, Chakvetadze; Bayo. 

Stoke is showing signs of improvement under their new manager, Steven Schumacher. Despite Birmingham City's struggles under Wayne Rooney, few would have expected Stoke to secure a three-goal lead within 53 minutes and eventually win by a 3-1 margin. Although Stoke is still in 18th place, there is now a seven-point gap between them and the relegation zone, and they have also remained undefeated since December 9th. With eight points earned from their previous six away matches, Stoke will approach this game with confidence as they travel to Hertfordshire. Unless there are any fitness concerns, Schumacher may opt to select the same starting lineup from the Birmingham game. Despite Ben Pearson's return from a suspension, he is likely to remain on the bench. 

The possible starting lineup for Stoke City is Bonham; Tchamadeu, McNally, Rose, Hoever; Thompson, Burger; Vidigal, Jun-Ho, Gooch; Mmaee.

Taking into account the results on Boxing Day, the momentum is now in Stoke's favour. However, we should not disregard Watford's previous form, leading us to predict a draw between the two teams. Take a double chance on the away side.