Preview & Prediction: Coventry City vs Watford FC

Slaven Bili’s Hornets have won three games in a row with a 2-1 triumph away at Cardiff City. Watford will want to build on their recent success when they host Coventry City at Vicarage Road on Saturday (November 5).

Ahead of the forthcoming Sky Bet Championship clash, we look at some of the numbers, statistics, and figures surrounding the match.

Eyes on Coventry. 👀 pic.twitter.com/iWlSR67YHL

— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) November 4, 2022

Three of the past four league encounters between Watford and Coventry City have finished in a stalemate, including the most recent match in February 2021.

Coventry have lost all three league meetings against Watford, with their last victory coming in September 2009 under manager Chris Coleman.

“You want to make your home your fortress.” 🏟

After back-to-back away wins, Slaven Bilić wants to continue our winning run at home to Coventry City tomorrow. 👊 pic.twitter.com/KXr6Skta5A

— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) November 4, 2022

With the exception of a goalless draw in March 2012, both teams have scored at least twice in three of the past four league encounters at Vicarage Road (7 goals apiece). Despite the deadlock, this match at The Vic has averaged 3.5 goals per game throughout that time.

The visitors have won just two of their last 12 league visits to Watford, both by a 3-2 scoreline in March 2005 and September 2009.

King Ken. 👑 pic.twitter.com/xKaeXC8wr8

— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) November 4, 2022

Only Burnley have won more games and points in the Championship since Bilic’s first league game in charge of Watford.

The Sky Blues have won their previous two away Championship games, and they last won three in a row at this level under Iain Dowie in August 2007.

Watford have won 17 of their previous 21 Championship home games, keeping 14 clean sheets in the process.

Only Preston North End (11) and Sheffield United (8) have preserved more Championship clean sheets this season than Coventry City (7), four of which have come in their previous six games.

Viktor Gyökeres leads the Sky Blues in goal scoring with five. While the Swedish striker has the most shots on goal (17), Gustavo Hamer has the most shots off target (13).

Back home tomorrow! 🏠 pic.twitter.com/b0gB8fHuvX

— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) November 4, 2022

Kasey Palmer leads the midfield with two assists this season, and Ben Sheaf has attempted the most passes (728) and the most passes in the opposing half (451).

Kyle McFadzean has made the most passes in his own half, while Jake Bidwell has tried the most crosses (62). (384).

Sheaf has attempted the most tackles (52) and interceptions (29), while Callum Doyle has made the most blocks (11).

Head-To-Head

Mark Robins, Coventry City manager:

“They have quality and pace everywhere, and wherever you look you’re mindful that they have top players.

“Ken Sema’s delivery is very good, and not only that, but they’ve also got Vakoun Bayo up front who has come in and made a real difference, and then they’ve got João Pedro playing in a 10 position and they rotate very well.

“Then the two wingers in those front positions are as good as anything that’s been in this division, and on their day they’re a real handful. But it’s a good challenge for us.

“We will go with confidence into a game which we know will be tough, and we will be followed really strongly by the supporters. It’s something we can look forward to.”

Slaven Bilić, Watford Head Coach:

“They have a good team with really good players. They are positive and on the front foot, and they are on a good run. They play direct, but at the same time they are very technical.

“I have watched their last couple of games, and we will have to be on the top of our game to get something. We are playing at home, so our aim is to also have something to offer. I’m expecting us to take the game into our hands.

“We come into this game confident, but with the respect for the opponent who play good football. With that positive arrogance, we are on a good run, we have a good team, and we need to continue from where we left off.

“The players are coming back and it’s very positive around the training ground, and we want to stay there knowing it will be very difficult. Every game is a new challenge and every game you have to answer a lot of questions, but we are ready for Coventry City.”