Watford will look to extend their three-game unbeaten run when they welcome Millwall to Vicarage Road for Saturday’s Championship fixture.
The Hornets are in 10th spot with 49 points to their name, while the Lions are four points further back in 12th position.
Match preview
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Watford are sitting three points adrift of the playoffs after winning 14, drawing seven and losing 14 of their 35 league matches this season.
The Hornets recently claimed back-to-back wins over Middlesbrough and Luton Town, before they played out a goalless draw with Stoke City to record a third consecutive shutout, leaving them on the verge of keeping four consecutive league clean sheets for the first time since November/December 2022.
After collecting a point at the bet365 Stadium, Watford will now return to Vicarage Road where they endured five consecutive home defeats before they clinched a 2-0 victory in last month’s derby clash with Luton.
Despite those run of defeat, Watford still have the sixth-best home record in the division after collecting 32 points from their 17 Championship matches at Vicarage Road.
Tom Cleverley‘s side are looking to complete a league double over Millwall after scoring a 90th-minute winner to seal a 3-2 victory in August’s reverse fixture.
However, claiming the spoils will be easier said than done given the fact they have taken just one point from their last two home meetings with the Lions.
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Millwall will be in a downbeat mood after losing back-to-back matches, including a 3-1 defeat in last Saturday’s FA Cup fifth-round clash against Crystal Palace, which was overshadowed by Liam Roberts‘ red card for a dangerous challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta, leaving him at risk of receiving an extension to his initial three-match ban.
The Lions then fell to a 2-0 defeat in Tuesday’s home league game against Bristol City, conceding both goals in the second period to leave them in 12th spot and seven points adrift of the top six.
If they are to mount a late playoff push, Millwall will have to improve upon their recent run of form, having won just one of their previous five Championship matches (D2, L2).
They have at least proven to be tough to beat on the road, with their last seven away league games producing three wins, three draws and one defeat.
Alex Neil‘s side have proven to be a resolute force on their travels, conceding just 19 goals across their 17 away league games – only the Championship’s top three have let in fewer away goals this season.
While fell short in the reverse fixture, Millwall can take confidence from the fact they have won three of their previous five meetings with the Hornets.
Team News
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Watford defender Kevin Keben is set to miss a second straight game after picking up a hamstring injury in the 2-0 win over Luton.
Pierre Dwomoh, Daniel Bachmann and Kwadwo Baah remain unavailable for selection, although the trio could return to action after the international break.
Cleverley could be tempted to make a couple of changes, with Moussa Sissoko and Vakoun Bayo in contention to start after coming off the bench for the final 20 minutes of the recent draw with Stoke.
As for the visitors, they are unable to call upon Danny McNamara, Shaun Hutchinson, Ryan Leonard, Calum Scanlon, Zak Lovelace and Macaulay Longstaff.
Roberts will serve the second game of his three-match ban, while Camiel Neghli has been ruled out for at least six weeks with an ankle issue.
Femi Azeez will have to be assessed by Millwall’s medical staff after being forced off at half time of Tuesday’s defeat to Bristol City.
Watford possible starting lineup:
Selvik; Ngakia, Pollock, Abankwah, Larouci; Louza, Dele-Bashiru; Sissoko, Kayembe, Chakvetadze; Bayo
Millwall possible starting lineup:
Jensen; Crama, Tanganga, Cooper, Bryan; Mitchell, De Norre; Bangura-Williams, Cundle, Emakhu; Ivanovic
We say: Watford 2-0 Millwall
After winning two of their last three matches, Watford will be looking to collect three more points to aid their playoff bid, and we ultimately believe they will make full use of home advantage to see off Millwall in Saturday’s home fixture.
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