Watford square off against Bristol City on Saturday afternoon looking to strengthen their position in the Championship playoff spots.
At a time when the Hornets have moved into promotion contention, Bristol City are now relegation candidates after a four-match winless streak, the Robins sitting in 20th place in the standings.
Match preview
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When Watford are described as being hit and miss under Slaven Bilic, it is an accurate assessment, yet their points tally since his arrival should not be lost in translation.
While the Croatian has lost four of his first 10 games in charge, he has won the other six, collecting a total of 18 points and successfully moving the Hornets into the top six.
Watford have prevailed from four of their last five outings, the most recent positive result coming earlier this week as a goal in either half from Joao Pedro earned his side a 2-0 triumph over Reading.
The Brazilian now has four strikes in five appearances, a considerable improvement from his return during the early weeks of the campaign, and it is in defence which could make or break whether Watford stay in promotion contention.
Despite conceding 22 times in 20 games this season, just two goals have been shipped in five matches since the 3-0 defeat at Millwall on October 19.
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From Bristol City's perspective, they are enduring yet another inconsistent campaign after initially beginning the season in excellent form.
However, since the middle of September, the Robins have accumulated just nine points from 12 games, resulting in the club dropping towards the relegation zone.
Bristol City now sit just three points clear of 22nd-placed West Bromwich Albion, and Nigel Pearson will recognise the importance of avoiding defeat at the weekend.
Nevertheless, there have been signs of improvement of late, with 1-1 draws being earned against Swansea City and a Middlesbrough side who have collected seven points from four games under Michael Carrick.
Team News
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Having made changes for the 3-1 defeat to Lincoln City in the EFL Cup, Pearson could revert to the Bristol City side which started the game at Middlesbrough.
However, there could be a change at wing-back with Jay Dasilva potentially coming in on the left flank and Antoine Semenyo dropping down to the substitutes' bench.
George Tanner remains suspended after his straight red card against Sheffield United on November 1.
Watford will be able to call upon Hassane Kamara and Francisco Sierralta after the pair each served one-match bans.
The pair may return to the starting lineup to replace Christian Kabasele and Edo Kayembe, depending on whether Bilic wishes to freshen up his first XI.
Bristol City possible starting lineup:
O'Leary; Vyner, Klose, Pring; Weimann, Williams, James, Scott, Dasilva; Wells, Conway
Watford possible starting lineup:
Bachmann; Gosling, Troost-Ekong, Sierralta, Sema; Choudhury, Kayembe; Asprilla, Pedro, Sarr; Davis
We say: Bristol City 1-2 Watford
Given the marginal improvements which have been made by Bristol City of late, we cannot rule out a home win on Saturday. However, Watford are the justified favourites and should have enough quality at both ends of the pitch to emerge victorious.
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