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Bristol City vs Watford match preview: Robins expected to secure comfortable victory at home

Bristol City vs Watford match preview: Robins expected to secure comfortable victory at home

Bristol City and Watford will try to boost their chances in the Championship play-offs when they face off at Ashton Gate on Saturday.

The Robins' unbeaten streak of seven matches came to an end at Burnley last weekend with a stunning free-kick by Zian Flemming sealing the victory.

A win in the upcoming game could place them in the top six, and manager Liam Manning's team will be happy to play on their home turf, where they have won seven out of their last nine league games.

Watford are currently four points away from the play-off positions, going through a period of mixed results with only one win in their last five matches.

Team news

Nahki Wells might return to the Bristol City lineup after being benched in the last game against Burnley, where Sinclair Armstrong got the nod up front.

Scott Twine will aim to keep his spot in the starting XI ahead of Joe Williams, whom he replaced in the Burnley match, and George Earthy, who has primarily been used as a substitute this season.

Ross McCrorie made a comeback from injury last weekend, while George Tanner (knee), Luke McNally (ACL), and Ayman Benarous (knee) remain sidelined.

For Watford, Tom Cleverley made three changes for the match against Plymouth last week in a bid to shake things up, but the team failed to score for the third time in five games.

Watford, led by Tom Cleverley, needs a victory to boost their chances of making it to the play-offs.
Watford, led by Tom Cleverley, needs a victory to boost their chances of making it to the play-offs.

Top scorer Vakoun Bayo was back in the starting lineup, but missed three good opportunities in the second half.

Cleverley will have to decide between Bayo and Edo Kayembe to lead the attack on Saturday, with Jeremy Ngakia and Yasser Larouci pushing for starting spots in the full-back roles.

Midfielder Kwadwo Baah could make his first start since January after coming off the bench for half an hour against Plymouth, following a two-month absence due to a thigh injury.

The stats

Bristol City have won eight of their last 11 home league games at Ashton Gate (D2 L1) and have not conceded more than one goal in that period.

The team has hit the woodwork 15 times this season, which is the same number as Norwich, topping the Championship in this aspect.

Anis Mehmeti has scored nine home goals this season, seven of them in his last 10 league starts at Ashton Gate.

Watford have scored the most penalties (seven) in the Championship this season, three more than any other club (Middlesbrough, Portsmouth, and Stoke - four each).

Prediction

Watford have been inconsistent this season, winning only two of their last 12 away matches, against struggling Derby and a Middlesbrough side going through a rough patch.

They might find it tough against a Bristol City team with a strong home record and a motivation to prove themselves against the Hornets.

In November, Cleverley's side secured a 1-0 victory at Vicarage Road, landing their only shot on target during the match.

If Bristol City performs at a similar level, they should justify their status as the favorites.

Manning's team usually doesn't run away with games or concede multiple goals at home, making a bet on under four goals also a viable option.