Watford play host to Swansea City on Wednesday evening desperately requiring all three points to retain any kind of realistic chance to make the Championship playoffs.
Meanwhile, the visitors, just two points adrift of their 12th-placed opponents in the standings, make the trip to Vicarage Road on the back of two successive wins.
Match preview
© Reuters
Having handed a long-term contract to Valerien Ismael earlier in the season, Watford's hierarchy showed that they are committed to having the Frenchman at the helm in the long term.
However, a run of six defeats in seven games will no doubt be testing the patience of the Pozzo family, who will recognise that their promotion hopes are almost over for another campaign.
In 12 league fixtures, Watford have only won at Queens Park Rangers and Rotherham United, clubs who were both situated in the bottom three when they squared off.
Their only other win came via a last-gasp goal against non-league Chesterfield in the FA Cup, while five losses have come in their most recent six Championship encounters.
Losing to Huddersfield Town and Millwall has turned the mood at the Hertfordshire-based club, and Ismael must get the Hornets back on track against either Swansea or Coventry City in two home fixtures to be played in the space of three games.
Swansea find themselves below Watford in the table, yet there is a positive feeling at the Welsh outfit now that they have posted two wins in a row.
Luke Williams is coming under pressure in the dugout, despite only being appointed in January, but wins over Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers have led to him starting to win over supporters.
On both occasions, Swansea have stormed into an early two-goal lead, only to concede in the second half and find themselves having to show some resilience to secure maximum points.
While Williams would have naturally preferred a more comfortable outcome, the fighting spirit bodes well for the future with Swansea still just four points above the bottom three.
Team News
© Reuters
With minimal injury concerns, Ismael is highly likely to make changes to his Watford XI given their current struggles on the pitch.
Ryan Andrews, Ismael Kone and Mileta Rajovic are all in line for recalls at right-back, in central midfield and attack respectively.
If Francisco Sierralta is moved back into a defensive-midfield role, Ryan Porteous can expect to be named in the middle of the defence.
In sharp contrast, Williams may see no reason to tinker with his Swansea starting lineup, particularly with an extra day of recovery.
Jay Fulton and Jerry Yates are both options in midfield and attack if Williams would prefer to introduce fresh faces.
Watford possible starting lineup:
Hamer; Andrews, Porteous, Hoedt, Lewis; Sierralta, Kone; Dennis, Asprilla, Sema; Rajovic
Swansea City possible starting lineup:
Rushworth; Naughton, Cabango, Wood, Tymon; Allen, Grimes; Ronald, Paterson, Placheta; Cullen
We say: Watford 1-1 Swansea City
Although these two clubs will expect to remain in the Championship, the stakes are high for both sides, who are aware that defeat could lead to becoming embroiled in a relegation scrap. With that in mind, do not be surprised to see a draw be played out at Vicarage Road.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
