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FA Cup: Watford vs Leeds preview

Kick-off: Saturday, 20 February @15:00

Venue: Vicarage Road Stadium (Watford)

Live Stream: fuboTV (US), bet365 (non-US)

Head to head record

Leeds vs Watford 2-3 (2014/2015 Championship)
Watford vs Leeds 4-1 (2013/2014 Championship)
Watford vs Leeds 3-0 (2013/2014 Championship)
Leeds vs Watford 3-3 (2012/2013 Championship)
Watford vs Leeds 1-2 (2012/2013 Championship)

Watford vs Leeds prediction

After eliminating the likes of Rotherham United and Bolton Wanderers in the FA Cup, Leeds United will have a mountain to climb in the tie against Premier League side Watford. The Hornets are brimming with confidence following a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, but they will have to prove their worth on the field.

Deeney – Ighalo the unstoppable duo

Even though many people expected that Watford would not be competitive in the Premier League this season, the Hornets have already proved the doubters wrong. Quique Sanchez Flores’ men are on the right track to secure the elite division survival, but they are in a position to book a place in European competitions as well. Watford head into Saturday’s FA Cup game against Leeds United following a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace and they will be looking to build on the triumph when they square off against the Championship side at their Vicarage Road Stadium. Troy Deeney scored a brace in the victory over Palace and seeing that Odion Ighalo is in the form of his life, the opposition defenders are likely to have their work cut out for them when facing the attacking duo. You should know that the Hornets have eliminated the likes of Newcastle United and Nottinghem Forest in the process so far.

Joel Ekstrand and Tommie Hoban are both out of contention with injury, but coach Quique Sanchez Flores has no other selection worries ahead of the visit of Leeds United. Mario Suarez is pushing for a start.

Uphill task for Whites

Six years ago Leeds United secured promotion to the Championship and they have been trying to return to the Premier League ever since. As things stand now, the Whites will be more than satisfied should they happen to secure yet another Championship survival as they occupy 16th place in the standings after 31 rounds. Leeds United strikers have been misfiring of late and considering that the team failed to score in previous two league games, no doubt the visitors face an uphill task in Saturday’s FA Cup game against Watford. Steve Evans’ men set up a meeting with Hornets by beating the likes of Rotheram United and Bolton Wanderers, with the team conceding no more than one goal in the process. It is well known that Leeds are tough to beat at their Elland Road, but they are on a four-game winless run on the road ahead of the trip to Watford.

Gaetano Berardi misses the match with injury, but Chris Wood could recover in time to face Watford. Coach Steve Evans has no other selection worries ahead of the FA Cup match.

Quick Facts

  • Watford are on a three-match unbeaten run at home
  • Hornets managed to keep a clean sheet in last two games at home in FA Cup
  • Under 1.5 goals were scored in three of Watford’s last four fixtures
  • Under 2.5 goals were netted in Leeds United’s previous five league matches
  • Leeds suffered three defeats in last four games in the FA Cup

Watford vs Leeds betting tip

Watford are superior to Leeds United, but considering that coach Quique Sanchez Flores could rest some of his first-team regulars in the FA Cup game, I am not tempted to put my money on the hosts this time out. The Hornets have been impressive at the back this season, especially when playing at home ground and given that the Whites have been firing blanks of late, a low-scoring affair appears on the cards.

Tip: Under 2.5 goals

Odds: 1.90 (9/10) @Unibet

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