Middlesbrough enters this match on the heels of back-to-back wins. The team has had a rather good start to the season, losing just two of their first eight games.
Michael Carrick’s side presently occupy 7th spot in the table, one point behind Blackburn Rovers in 6th, and recorded a remarkable 1-0 victory away from home against West Brom in their last game.
In order to secure a significant three points against a team that was leading the league prior to the match, Boro scored through Hayden Hackney in the 73rd minute of their journey against the Baggies. Middlesbrough now has a chance to make it three wins from three after defeating Stoke City 2-0 in the previous encounter. This Saturday afternoon.
Conversely, Watford has made a similarly impressive start to the season and is currently just one spot below their visitors.
Tom Cleverley’s team, now in eighth place in the standings, has one less point than Boro and will be grateful for the chance to surpass them this coming weekend when they play at home in the second division rankings.
But following their crushing 3-0 loss to Preston North End the previous game, the Hornets will undoubtedly need to mount a strong comeback. Away from home, Watford gave up in the second half as Alistair McCann scored after Milutin Osmajic scored twice to give the Lilywhites a resounding victory.
Here, a couple of our writers share their prediction for the game…
Jacob Hackett
The Hornets had a great start to the season, but a little decline in performance in recent weeks might have served as a wake-up call for Cleverley’s team.
They take on a Middlesbrough team that looks to be becoming comfortable after two straight wins to zero, and their confidence must be soaring following their most recent performance at the Hawthorns.
This season, Watford has already demonstrated their capacity to recover, so even if I do think they will step it up this Saturday, it is difficult to predict a loss for Boro.
I’m hoping for some objectives from this meeting. My instinct tells me that the two teams will battle to a score draw.
James Ray
Middlesbrough will be hoping that following consecutive Championship victories, the push for promotion will begin immediately. After some patchy results, they appear to be picking up steam, but a trip to Vicarage Road will test them greatly.
“The Hornets are unbeaten on home turf while Boro have been hot and cold on the road. Though I’m going to remain neutral and predict a draw, this is a game that may truly go any way.
“Even though they are playing away from home, the midfield combination of Hackney and summer acquisition Aidan Morris can control the game, and I think Watford wins again here at the Vic.”
