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Championship | Gameweek 17
Oct 23, 2022 at 12pm UK
Vicarage Road
Luton Town

Watford
4 - 0
Luton

Davis (3'), Troost-Ekong (45'), Pedro (57'), Sarr (79')
Davis (29'), Troost-Ekong (45+1'), Sema (67')
FT(HT: 2-0)

Bradley (18'), Doughty (51'), Campbell (59'), Cornick (67')

Preview: Watford vs. Luton Town - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Sunday's Championship clash between Watford and Luton Town, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Luton Town make the short trip to play Watford looking to extend their unbeaten record in the Championship to eight matches.

At a time when the Hatters occupy fifth position in the standings, Watford have recently slipped down to 15th spot, a consequence of suffering three defeats in four games.


Match preview

Watford manager Slaven Bilic on October 8, 2022© Reuters

When Watford thrashed Stoke City in Slaven Bilic's opening game in charge, there was every expectation that the Hornets would kick on and become mainstays in the promotion hunt.

However, they have instead followed the four-goal demolition of the Potters by losing three of their next four games, the latest defeating coming by a 3-0 scoreline at Millwall.

Bilic has now suffered more defeats in five matches than Rob Edwards posted in double the amount of games, and the backlash will continue if Watford fail to collect maximum points at the weekend.

Although the 2-1 triumph over Norwich City was a significant plus point, Watford have now conceded nine times in four games, while they sit four points adrift of the playoffs.

While two or three wins in succession will change the mood at Vicarage Road, Bilic cannot afford to enter the month-long break for the World Cup having not improved the team's fortunes.

Luton Town boss Nathan Jones on August 6, 2022© Reuters

Having suffered a hangover from their near-miss with promotion last season, Luton fans may have been prepared to accept that a consolidation campaign was the best that they could hope for during 2022-23.

However, Luton have been terrific over the past 11 matches, collecting 22 points and suffering just one defeat, that loss coming at home to Wigan Athletic who scored twice in the final 10 minutes.

Nathan Jones can point to that setback being a minor blip with Luton unbeaten in seven games since that defeat, while the Hatters are also on a two-match winning streak against two of the favourites for promotion.

After inflicting a surprise win over high-flying Queens Park Rangers, Luton made the long trip to Norwich in midweek and claimed a 1-0 victory at Carrow Road.

Jones's side now sit in fifth position in the table, possibly a win or two away from moving into the automatic promotion places.

Watford Championship form:

Luton Town Championship form:


Team News

Watford's Joao Pedro reacts, on February 5, 2022© Reuters

Craig Cathcart is expected to return to the Watford defence after injury, likely taking the spot of Matthew Pollock.

Mario Gaspar could return at right-back, while Edo Kayembe is in line to replace the injured Imran Louza in central midfield.

Joao Pedro is also pushing for an opportunity ahead of Keinan Davis in attack.

Barring any fitness issues, Jones may be prepared to stick with the side which beat Norwich, the Welshman having described that performance as the team's best of the season.

The extra day of recovery should lead to the likes of Luke Freeman and Elijah Adebayo remaining among the replacements.

Watford possible starting lineup:
Bachmann; Gaspar, Cathcart, Troost-Ekong, Kamara; Choudhury, Kayembe; Sema, Asprilla, Sarr; Pedro

Luton Town possible starting lineup:
Horvath; Bree, Lockyer, Potts; Onyedinma, Campbell, Clark, Bell; Cornick, Morris, Doughty


SM words green background

We say: Watford 2-1 Luton Town

Given that Luton are arguably the form team in the division, this feels like a difficult match to call. However, Watford tend to be a far better outfit in front of their own supporters, leading us to predict an entertaining victory for the Hornets.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 2.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 2.5:data


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Game History

How you voted: Watford vs Luton

Watford
0.0%
Draw
42.9%
Luton Town
57.1%
7
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Watford manager Slaven Bilic on October 8, 2022
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2 Croatia Croatia00000
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