Leicester vs Watford: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Coral's detailed preview for Leicester vs Watford in the Championship. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 15:00 GMT match.

• Fixture: Leicester vs Watford
• Date: Friday, 26 December 2025
• Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
• Venue: King Power Stadium

Leicester will be looking to bounce back from their recent defeat against QPR. With a strong home record, including wins against Ipswich and Derby, they should have the confidence to take on Watford. The predicted 4-2-3-1 formation will likely see Jordan Ayew leading the line, supported by creative players like Bobby Decordova-Reid and Stephy Mavididi, who could exploit Watford's defence.

Watford, on the other hand, have been inconsistent but showed resilience in their last match against Stoke City. Their 4-4-2 formation could provide a solid base, with Luca Kjerrumgaard and Giorgi Chakvetadze up front posing a threat. However, their away form has been less convincing, which might play into Leicester's hands.

Match Prediction: Leicester 2-1 Watford

Leicester's recent form has been a mixed bag, with two wins, a draw, and two losses in their last five games. The heavy defeat against QPR might have dented their confidence, but victories against Ipswich and Derby show they can be a force at home. They'll need to regain their momentum to secure a win against Watford.

Recent Championship Results:

• Loss: 1-4 vs QPR (A)
• Win: 3-1 vs Ipswich (H)
• Draw: 2-2 vs Bristol City (A)
• Win: 3-1 vs Derby (A)
• Loss: 2-3 vs Sheffield Utd (H)

Watford have had a more stable run, with two wins and two draws in their last five matches. Their most recent victory against Stoke City at home will give them a boost, but the draws against Wrexham and Sheffield Wednesday suggest they need to be more clinical. Their away form, highlighted by the loss to Birmingham, could be a concern.

Recent Championship Results:

• Win: 1-0 vs Stoke City (H)
• Draw: 2-2 vs Wrexham (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Sheffield Wednesday (H)
• Win: 3-2 vs Norwich (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Birmingham (A)

Leicester have had the upper hand in recent meetings with Watford, winning all of the last five encounters. The most recent match saw Leicester triumph 2-1 away from home, while their home record against Watford is even more impressive, with a 2-0 win and a 4-2 victory in previous seasons. This head-to-head record suggests Leicester have the edge going into this fixture.

Recent Results

• Watford 1-2 Leicester (10 Feb 2024)

• Leicester 2-0 Watford (25 Nov 2023)

• Watford 1-5 Leicester (15 May 2022) - Premier League

• Leicester 4-1 Watford (08 Jan 2022) - FA Cup

• Leicester 4-2 Watford (28 Nov 2021) - Premier League

• Boubakary Soumaré (Knee) – Out

• Caleb Okoli (Knee) – Out

• Victor Kristiansen (Knee) – Out

• Harry Souttar (Achilles) - Out

• Patson Daka (International duty) - Out

• Kwadwo Baah (Hamstring) – Out

• Rocco Vata (Hamstring) – Out

• Pierre Dwomoh (Thigh) - Out

• Caleb Wiley (Muscle) – Out

• Jack Grieves (Knee) - Out

• Edo Kayembe (International duty) - Out

• Mamadou Doumbia (International duty) - Out

• Predicted lineup: Stolarczyk (GK), Pereira (DF), Nelson (DF), Vestergaard (DF), Thomas (DF), James (MF), Skipp (MF), Issahaku (MF), Decordova-Reid (MF), Mavididi (MF), Ayew (AT)

Leicester's predicted 4-2-3-1 formation will see Jordan Ayew as the lone striker, with Bobby Decordova-Reid and Stephy Mavididi providing width and creativity from the wings. The midfield duo of Jordan James and Oliver Skipp will be crucial in controlling the game and feeding the forwards.

• Predicted lineup: Selvik (GK), Ngakia (DF), Pollock (DF), Alleyne (DF), Bola (DF), Ince (MF), Kyprianou (MF), Louza (MF), Maamma (MF), Chakvetadze (AT), Kjerrumgaard (AT)

Watford's 4-4-2 setup will rely on the attacking duo of Luca Kjerrumgaard and Giorgi Chakvetadze to lead the line. The midfield quartet of Thomas Ince, Hector Kyprianou, Imrân Louza, and Othmane Maamma will need to work hard to support the attack while maintaining defensive solidity.

• Ayew vs Nelson: Jordan Ayew's pace and movement will test Ben Nelson's defensive capabilities.

• Skipp vs Kyprianou: Oliver Skipp's control in midfield will be crucial against Hector Kyprianou's energy and tenacity.

• Decordova-Reid (Leicester): Bobby Decordova-Reid's creativity and flair could unlock Watford's defence.

• Kjerrumgaard (Watford): Luca Kjerrumgaard's goal-scoring threat will be vital for Watford's chances.

Leicester vs Watford at 15:00 GMT on Friday, 26 December 2025, will be broadcast live for viewers in the UK on Sky Sports+.

Coral is predicting that the score will be Leicester 2-1 Watford.

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