Watford vs Middlesbrough
English Championship
Date: Friday, 11 September 2020
Kick-Off at 19.45 UK
Venue: Vicarage Road, Watford.
Match preview
By Nigel Pearson who was removed from his position at the end of last season, it was inevitable that Watford will bring a new man at the front of the room break out of what feels like a new era for the club.
their chosen substitute Vladimir Ivic, a man who has enjoyed success at both PAOK and Maccabi Tel Aviv, and supporters of the Hornets will feel optimistic that most things in place to have a successful season.
While the names of other stars are expected to follow Abdoulaye Doucoure through the exit, the signing of Jeremy Ngakia, Stipe Perica and Glenn Murray tick a lot of boxes.
Ivic will no doubt be provided with funds to strengthen the squad in transition, although Serbia had to be driven by a pre-season victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite the possibility of activity behind the scenes, Ivic will be fully focused on trying to get the better of opponents who head into the season in the form of a mixture.
As it stands, Neil Warnock has not managed to find a replacement for a number of experienced heads who all have left the Riverside Stadium on a free transfer.
However, after following a pre-season thumping of Newcastle United with a 4-3 win over Shrewsbury Town in EFL Cup, veteran boss will be eager to work with this group of players will advance.
Warnock will insist, however, that expectations about a playoff bid lowered, despite the return of 12 points from the opening eight matches at the end of last season.
While solving problems defensive team will be at the top of the agenda, Warnock will want to continue to get the best out of Ashley Fletcher and Britt Assombalonga.
The duo already has five goals each since his arrival back in June, and every success for the club's future may depend on the next couple maintain their current ratios.
Watford vs Middlesbrough Head-to-Head
Watford and Middlesbrough have not actually play each other on many occasions to remember them both to be in and around the top flight for a long time.
Middlesbrough have defeated the Hornets on 14 occasions, with Watford taking 16 victories. Eight games between the two have been going to draw.
The last time the opposite side in April 2015. That game saw goals from Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo hand Hornets won 2-0.
Middlesbrough have started their 2020-21 campaign with a victory. They beat Shrewsbury Town last week in the Cup EFL, while Watford have not played since their relegation from the Premier League.
Watford guide include: W-W-L-L-L
Middlesbrough guide include: L-W-L-W-W
Team News
Striker Andre Gray and influential midfielder Will Hughes are both a few weeks to get back to full fitness.
Troy Deeney and Ismaila Sarr is in talks to follow Abdoulaye Doucoure out the club in the next few weeks and is unlikely to feature for Watford until their future is resolved. Gerard Deulofeu will also leave Watford but still on the road to recovery from a long-term knee injury.
Although degradation and a lot of upheaval in the club, Watford which has some interesting players are ready to attack the new season. Pervis Estupinan and Luis Suarez both developing lending in Spain last season and a good addition to the squad as they aim for direct sale.
Middlesbrough have made only one permanent signing so far this summer, with experienced defender Grant Hall joined on a free transfer. Former QPR player must earn his league debut here.
Neil Warnock has also brought Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli loan and he will be the No.1 club this season. It is unclear whether he will start against Watford after just signed on Thursday.
creative midfielder George Saville absent from Middlesbrough win Carabao Cup against Shrewsbury but it must start here.
Watford vs. Middlesbrough Prediction
There are some changes in the Watford FC after getting relegated from the EPL. First of all, Serbian Vladimir Ivic experts appointed as the new manager of the head.
When it comes to departure, all the key players such as Ismaila Sarr, Troy Deeney, and Etienne Capoue stay at Vicarage, which would increase the chances of the team to promotion.
In terms of probability, Watford are favorites against Middlesbrough, the price of 1.92 to win.
During the pre-season period Hornets face Gillingham (lost 1-3), Scunthorpe (1-0) and Tottenham Hotspur (2-1 win, shocking).
This squad certainly has potential and we will return them to start a new campaign with a win, although a good result in the friendly match Middlesbrough.
Boro ended the previous season in 17th place with poor terrible offensive stats (only scored 48 goals in 46 games). They also lost ten out of twenty-three games played on the road.
Betting Tips
Watford to win the match @ 1.92
Troy Deeney to score anytime @ 2.25.
