Leeds United travel to struggling Watford for a Friday night Championship fixture as they look to open up a gap at the top of the table Leeds appear to have hit their stride in recent weeks and should be too strong for an out of sorts Watford side.
Watford are in the middle of a rough patch having picked up just two wins from their last 13 matches. They have suffered seven defeats in that run, leading to the sack of Valentin Ismael.
Tom Cleverly is the man in interim charge of Watford at the moment and led the team to a 1-0 victory just before the international break. Emmanuel Dennis’ first half effort proved to be the difference as they held on for the win.
Watford have also enjoyed very little home comfort in recent weeks as they are unbeaten in their last nine Championship matches at Vicarage Road. They have suffered six defeats in that run, including a 2-1 loss to Coventry City in their previous home fixture.
Leeds United are flying high at the moment and travel to Vicarage Road off the back of three straight wins. Their form has seen them climb to the top of the Championship standings, albeit on goal difference.
This recent good form has been driven by a sturdy backline as Leeds United have kept clean sheets in their last three matches. That defensive solidity was on full display as they claimed a 2-0 victory over Millwall last time out in the Championship.
Leeds United have also impressed on their travels, as they are unbeaten in their last six away matches, claiming five wins in that run. Once again, that defence has been pivotal, keeping five clean sheets in that run.
How the bookies view it
Leeds United have been installed as overwhelming favourites and are priced at 3/5 by bet365 to claim the win. Watford are considered outsiders among the bookies with a home win priced at 4/1 by Paddy Power while a draw is set at odds of 16/5 by Coral.
Head to head
Leeds United have a 10-7 advantage with five draws from 22 previous matches against Watford. Leeds have also won the last three meetings and claimed a 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture back in September.
Players to watch
Centre-backs Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon continue to impress for Leeds United, helping them to five shutouts in their last six away matches. Both men are expected to feature on Friday and will be keen for another clean sheet at 7/5 with BoyleSports.
At the other end of the pitch, Patrick Bamford continues to deliver the goods for Leeds United, scoring in four of the last six matches. The striker is priced at 6/4 by bet365 to find the net on Friday.
Anything else catch the eye?
Leeds United have won to nil in five of their last six away matches and could be set for a similar outcome at 15/8 with BetVictor. Given the result in the reverse fixture, a -1 handicap could also be considered at 13/8 with Paddy Power.
Leeds United have scored in both halves in three of their last four away matches and a repeat is priced at 29/20 with William Hill.
This England Championship match between Watford and Leeds United will be played on Mar 29, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Watford vs Leeds United prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
