Watford host Oxford United at Vicarage Road on Friday night as the two sides prepare for their latest Championship clash.
Watford were beaten 1-0 away at Swansea City last time out and will be eager to bounce back against Oxford United. They are currently sat in 6th place in the table after the first 14 fixtures.
Tom Cleverley’s side have 22 points on the board and are inside the play-offs by a point above West Brom.
The Hornets finished down in 15th in the last campaign and haven’t made a bad start as they look to head into the upcoming international break with three points.
As for Oxford United, they were promoted from League One last term after winning the play-off final at Wembley against Bolton Wanderers. They ended up going up along with Portsmouth and Derby County.
Des Buckingham’s men have since adapted well to life in the second tier and are positioned in 16th position, two points above the drop zone.
They returned to winning ways last time out by beating Hull City 1-0 at the Kassam Stadium. New defender Hidde ter Avest scored their winner against the Tigers.
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
Harry Mail
“Watford have been very strong at home this season and are unbeaten at Vicarage Road so far.
“Their form on their own patch is the reason why they are sat in the play-offs at the moment.
“Oxford United will be in for a tough test and could be turned over by Cleverley’s side if they aren’t careful. The U’s went into their clash against Hull City last time out without a win in eight outings.
“Buckingham’s men should be fine this term but I can’t see them getting anything this weekend and I’m expecting a loss for them.”
Prediction: Watford 3-1 Oxford United
James Ray
“It’s hard not to back Watford to get a result in this one.
“They will have been disappointed to have lost to Swansea City in the week but they’re a real force with the Vicarage Road faithful behind them this season. It’s a real source of positivity and has been a big asset for Tom Cleverley in his first permanent role.
“Oxford United have dangerous players who will cause problems but they can’t get going on the road like they can at the Kassam Stadium.
“For me, that gives the hosts the path to victory.”