FEW teams have made a more impressive start to the new EFL season than Watford but their perfect record could be under threat when they travel to Sheffield United in the Championship.
Hornets fans are buzzing after watching their side win all five fixtures in league and cup so far, with gaffer Tom Cleverley getting them to play some nice stuff.
Watford still aren't being talked about as contenders in the outright title betting but that might change if they can keep winning, especially at venues as tough as Bramall Lane.
Sheffield United are looking to bounce straight back to the Premier League after relegation and they've made a decent start, with a win and two draws in their first three league games.
The Blades crashed out of the EFL Cup to League One Barnsley in midweek but boss Chris Wilder made a lot of changes and will revert to his strongest side for this one.
How the bookies view it: Watford to run aground
Despite their stunning start to the campaign, Watford are Betfred's 16/5 outsiders for this one, with Sheffield United 8/11 favourites. The Blades have drawn their last two in the league and another stalemate pays 5/2.
Recent head to head: Close encounters
There hasn't been much between these sides in recent years, with the last 14 meetings producing six Sheffield United victories, five Watford wins and three draws. It was honours even when they last faced off two seasons ago, with both teams winning 1-0 at home.
Players to watch: Moore the merrier
Oliver Arblaster brought up two bets for me with his equaliser at Norwich last time out but I'm going for a Sheffield United striker this time out. Kieffer Moore should lead the line and the big Welshman has made a decent start for the Blades, with one goal in three outings. He's 11/8 for anytime scorer at Betfred and the odds increase to 6/1 with Bet365 if you back him to score a header.
Edo Kayembe was on fire in the first two games of the season, netting three times, but has drawn a blank in his last two outings. He will be a threat to the Blades and is a chunky 18/5 for anytime scorer.
Probable line-ups
Transfer deadline day could change the plans for both managers with Sheffield United duo Gustavo Hamer and Auston Trusty being linked with moves away.
Watford have snapped up striker Daniel Jebbison from Bournemouth and faced a fight to keep Giorgio Chakvetadze on deadline day. Vakoun Bayo has been sold to Udinese but the Italians have loaned him back to Watford so he's free to play.
Sheffield United: Cooper, Gilchrist, Sachdev, Souttar, Burrows, Arblaster, Rak-Sakyi, Souza, Brooks, Moore, O'Hare.
Watford: Bachmann, Sierralta, Pollock, Morris, Sissoko, Dele-Bashiru, Larouci, Andrews, Chakvetadze, Bayo, Kayembe.
Anything else catch the eye?
Sheffield United's home games have been pretty exciting so far, with BTTS and over 3.5 goals landing in both. Watford have only played once on the road this term and that was also a thriller as they beat Millwall 3-2.
So it bodes well for goals at both ends, with over 2.5 strikes priced at 4.5 and BTTS paying 8/11. Combining those picks will take you to 21/20 in a bet builder. I also like over 10.5 corners at evens given both these sides like to play on the front foot.
This England Championship match between Sheffield United and Watford will be played on Sep 1, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Sheffield United vs Watford prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
