Watford vs Bristol City: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Coral's detailed preview for Watford vs Bristol City in the Championship. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 20:00 GMT match.

• Fixture: Watford vs Bristol City

• Date: Friday, 07 November 2025

• Kick-off: 20:00 GMT

• Venue: Vicarage Road

Watford's recent form suggests a team capable of strong home performances, as evidenced by their victories over Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion. They will look to exploit their home advantage again, focusing on a solid defensive structure while utilising the attacking prowess of players like Semedo and Doumbia.

Bristol City, on the other hand, have shown resilience with three wins in their last five games, indicating they can pose a threat, particularly with the creativity of Mehmeti and Twine.

The match could be closely contested, with Watford likely to control possession and press for goals, while Bristol City will aim to counter-attack effectively. The key for Watford will be maintaining their defensive solidity, as seen in their recent home wins, while Bristol City will need to capitalise on any defensive lapses from their hosts.

Watford's recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five games. Their home performances have been particularly strong, with victories over Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion, suggesting they could be confident going into this match. However, their away form has been less convincing, with losses to Coventry City and Sheffield United, indicating a need for consistency.

The team's ability to bounce back from losses, as seen after their defeat to Coventry City, could be crucial. If they can replicate their home form against Bristol City, they stand a good chance of securing another win. The absence of some players due to injury might affect their performance, but their recent results suggest they can adapt and perform well.

Recent Championship Results:

• Draw: 1-1 vs Ipswich Town (A)

• Win: 3-0 vs Middlesbrough (H)

• Loss: 1-3 vs Coventry City (A)

• Win: 2-1 vs West Bromwich Albion (H)

• Loss: 0-1 vs Sheffield United (A)

Bristol City have shown a strong run of form recently, winning three of their last five games, including impressive victories against Southampton and Norwich City. Their home form has been particularly solid, with wins against Birmingham City and Southampton, indicating they can be a tough opponent on their day.

However, their losses to Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City highlight areas where they need to improve, particularly in defending against strong attacks. The team's ability to score goals, as seen in their wins, could be crucial in this match.

If they can maintain their attacking threat while tightening up at the back, they have the potential to challenge Watford. The absence of Rob Atkinson due to injury might impact their defensive stability, but their recent performances suggest they can still compete effectively.

Recent Championship Results:

• Loss: 0-1 vs Blackburn Rovers (H)

• Loss: 1-5 vs Stoke City (A)

• Win: 1-0 vs Birmingham City (H)

• Win: 3-1 vs Southampton (H)

• Win: 1-0 vs Norwich City (A)

The head-to-head record between Watford and Bristol City shows a competitive rivalry, with both teams winning recent encounters. Bristol City won the most recent match 2-1 on 05 Apr 2025, while Watford won the previous home game 1-0 on 26 Nov 2024.

The teams have also drawn once in their last five meetings, with a 1-1 result on 20 Jan 2024, suggesting that matches between these two sides are often closely contested.

Recent Championship Results

• Bristol City 2-1 Watford (05 Apr 2025)

• Watford 1-0 Bristol City (26 Nov 2024)

• Bristol City 1-1 Watford (20 Jan 2024)

• Watford 1-4 Bristol City (26 Dec 2023)

• Watford 2-0 Bristol City (15 Apr 2023)

Javi Gracia said "They are doing really well, they are more mature. They just need our support, our advice and to be well organised for competing well in games"

• Rocco Vata (Leg) - Out

• Jack Grieves (Knee) - Out

• Giorgi Chakvetadze (Foot) - Doubt

• Vivaldo (Leg) - Doubt

• Pierre Dwomoh (Thigh) - Doubt

Gerhard Struber when asked about injuries said “He [Neto Borges] felt something could come and made the very good decision to come out. Mark Sykes has a big, deep cut on the shin bone… It’s not so good for the Friday game.”

• Luke McNally (Knee) - Out

• Joe Williams (Ankle) - Out

• Cameron Pring (Ankle) - Out

• Max Bird (Calf) - Out

• Jason Knight (Adductor) - Out

• Harry Cornick (Fibula) - Out

• Neto Borges (Unknown) - Doubt

• Mark Sykes (Shin) - Doubt

• Predicted lineup: Selvik (GK), Ngakia (DF), Abankwah (DF), Pollock (DF), Bola (DF), Ince (MF), Louza (MF), Kyprianou (MF), Baah (MF), Semedo (AT), Doumbia (AT)

Watford's predicted lineup suggests a focus on maintaining a strong midfield presence with Kyprianou and Louza, which could help control the game's tempo. The inclusion of Semedo and Doumbia up front indicates an intent to exploit any defensive weaknesses in Bristol City's lineup.

• Predicted lineup: Vitek (GK), Tanner (DF), Dickie (DF), Roberts (DF), McCrorie (MF), Randell (MF), Vyner (MF), Borges (If fit) (MF), Twine (AT), Mehmeti (AT), Riis (AT)

Bristol City's predicted lineup highlights their reliance on the attacking duo of Twine and Mehmeti to create scoring opportunities. The midfield combination of McCrorie, Randell, Vyner, and Borges will be crucial in maintaining possession and supporting the forwards.

• Semedo vs Roberts: This duel will see Watford's forward Semedo looking to outmanoeuvre Bristol City's defender Roberts to create scoring chances.

• Baah vs Randell: Watford's midfielder Baah will need to outplay Bristol City's Randell in the midfield to help control the game's flow.

• Kyprianou (Watford): Kyprianou's role in the midfield will be vital for Watford, as his ability to control the game and distribute the ball effectively could be key to their success.

• Mehmeti (Bristol City): Mehmeti's creativity and goal-scoring threat make him a crucial player for Bristol City, as he could unlock Watford's defence with his skill and vision.

Fans in the UK are able to watch Watford vs Bristol City on Sky Ultra HDR, Sky Sports Football, NOW and Sky Sports Main Event at 20:00 GMT on Friday, 07 November 2025

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

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