Explore Coral’s detailed game week 2 match preview for Watford vs Queens Park Rangers in the Championship. Stats, odds, predictions, and line-ups for the 15:00 BST kick-off at Vicarage Road, Saturday, 16 August 2025.
Match Details
Fixture: Watford vs Queens Park Rangers
Date: Saturday, 16 August 2025
Kick-off: 15:00 BST
Venue: Vicarage Road
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Our predictions for Watford vs Queens Park Rangers
Watford’s 1-0 loss to Charlton Athletic on August 9, 2025, highlighted their struggle to convert possession (58%) into goals, with only one shot on target despite dominating the ball. Harvey Knibbs’ stoppage-time goal (90+4’) exposed defensive lapses, but playing at home could boost their confidence. Queens Park Rangers’ 1-1 draw against Preston North End showed resilience, with an own goal by Benjamin Whiteman (41’) matched by Milutin Osmajić’s equaliser (48’). Their 58% possession and disciplined display (no yellow cards) suggest they can compete, but they’ll need to be more clinical to challenge Watford’s defence.
This match could see Watford leveraging home advantage to dominate possession, while QPR aim to counter-attack. Watford’s attacking options, if sharper, should give them the edge in a tight contest.
Watford’s 1-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic away exposed their inability to convert possession into goals, with only ten total shots and two corners. Despite a strong lineup, their lack of cutting edge was evident. At Vicarage Road, they’ll aim to rediscover their attacking rhythm, with Kwadwo Baah and Mamadou Doumbia key to breaking down QPR’s defence.
QPR’s 1-1 draw against Preston North End at home showed their ability to hold firm, with 58% possession and a 71% successful dribble rate. However, their reliance on an own goal for the lead highlights a need for sharper finishing. Without Jake Clarke-Salter, their defence may be tested, but players like Ilias Chair and Žan Celar could exploit Watford’s vulnerabilities on the counter.
The head-to-head record between Watford and Queens Park Rangers is closely contested, with both teams having recent victories. Watford won their last home game against QPR 4-0, but QPR have also had success, winning their most recent encounter 3-1. This suggests that either team could come out on top in this matchup.
Recent Results
Queens Park Rangers 3-1 Watford (01 Jan 2025)
Watford 0-0 Queens Park Rangers (30 Nov 2024)
Queens Park Rangers 1-2 Watford (14 Jan 2024)
Watford 4-0 Queens Park Rangers (05 Aug 2023)
Queens Park Rangers 1-0 Watford (11 Mar 2023)
Team News & Injury Report
Watford
No injuries have been reported for the current season
Watford’s predicted lineup emphasises midfield control with Moussa Sissoko, Imrân Louza, and Hector Kyprianou, while Kwadwo Baah, Luca Kjerrumgaard, and Mamadou Doumbia provide attacking threat. Their solid backline, led by Kévin Keben, aims to neutralise QPR’s counter-attacks and capitalise on home advantage.
QPR’s predicted lineup focuses on defensive organisation without Jake Clarke-Salter, with Liam Morrison and Amadou Salif Mbengue anchoring the backline. Sam Field and Nicolas Madsen provide midfield stability, while Ilias Chair, Karamoko Dembélé, and Kwame Poku support Žan Celar in attack, aiming to exploit gaps on the counter.
Key Battles & Players to Watch
Kévin Keben vs Sam Field: Keben's defensive solidity will be tested by Field's midfield prowess.
Ilias Chair vs Imrân Louza: Chair's creativity will be crucial against Louza's control in the midfield.
Kwadwo Baah (Watford): Baah's pace and finishing could be the difference for Watford.
Zan Celar (Queens Park Rangers): Celar's goal-scoring ability will be vital for QPR's chances.
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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.
