Watford v Cardiff: No home comforts for Hornets

6Apr 2013

England - The Championship

Andy Tongue predicts a tight affair as the league leaders visit the third-placed Hornets

Watford v Cardiff

Saturday 17.20 GMT

Live on Sky Sports Two

An exciting clash to entertain viewers with Watford now engaged in a race with Hull for that second automatic promotion spot and visitors Cardiff seemingly destined for the title, barring a Devon Loch-style collapse.

Watford

The importance of Tuesday's 1-0 victory at Hull can't be underestimated - cutting the gap to just one point between the two sides and ending a run of three games without a win for the hornets, as it did. Manager Gianfranco Zola said afterwards that his side finds it easier to play against sides from the top half of the table and the stats back him up - their four defeats in 2013 have come at the hands of Barnsley, Blackpool, Charlton and Bristol City. There is a suspicion they prefer to play on the road where their fluid 3-5-2 counter-attacking style can be seen to its best effect although they have, nevertheless, won 10 times at home this season.

Cardiff

The finishing line is in sight and the Bluebirds are just 1.1 to win the Championship title. Their form hasn't been vintage of late (two wins from six) but they have built up enough of a buffer, based on their home form, to cushion against any late wobbles. They have lost two of their last three on the road, however, and it may be the three successive home fixtures which follow this trip to Vicarage Road, which are their best chance of sealing the deal.

Match Odds

Watford will have their supporters at 2.5 but I'm expecting a tight game and like the look of the draw at 3.5. Malkay MacKay's men would be more than happy to return down the M4 with a point and Nottingham Forest are the only top six side the Hornets have beaten at home this season.

Over/Under 2.5 Goals

The stats suggest there will be goals which is reflected in the 2.08 on offer for under 2.5 goals and I think that's worth backing. As already stated, the visitors will be delighted with a stalemate and it could be a frustrating evening for the home fans with Cardiff allowing Zola's men plenty of possession but soaking up their pressure determinedly.

Recommended Bets

Back The Draw @ 3.5

Back Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.08