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Football

Match Preview: Bristol City FC vs Watford FC

Following their win against Reading on Tuesday evening, Watford will try to continue their winning streak against Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Saturday afternoon (November 12).

Bristol City have had a mixed start to the 2022/23 season after an amazing run at the conclusion of previous season kept them safe from relegation in the Championship.

A five-game undefeated streak from mid-August to the beginning of September was the pinnacle of their season, with four wins and one tie. Nigel Pearson’s team has struggled on the road, winning only two of their ten games.

With only one win in their previous five games, the Robins are currently just three points behind 22nd-placed West Bromwich Albion, who have a game in hand.

Bristol City and Watford have drawn eight of their past 12 league games at Ashton Gate, including the most recent encounter in November 2020.

Watford has not surrendered a goal in five of their previous nine league meetings against Bristol City, including both of their most recent two.

At least one of the clubs has scored two or more goals in ten of the past 11 meetings, with the Hornets doing so eight times and the Robins six. The lone exception is the 0-0 tie in November 2020.

Watford have scored 13 goals in their past five games against the Robins, including six in the most recent meeting. In that period, the Hornets have only let up three goals.

Bristol City have won only two of their past 12 Championship games, drawing three and losing seven, with their lone home victory coming in October against Preston North End.

Only two teams (Burnley and Coventry City) have amassed more points in the Championship than Watford since the appointment of Head Coach Slaven Bili, with five wins in their previous seven games.

Only Burnley have scored more Championship goals (17) than the Hornets since Bili took over in early October, with Watford one of only three teams to have two players score at least four goals in that period, with Ismaela Sarr and Joo Pedro both scoring four.

Watford have won both of their past two league games away from home and are hoping to make it three in a row for the first time in the Premier League since September 2017.

bristolHead to Head Record:

  • Bristol City and Watford have drawn eight of their past 12 league games at Ashton Gate, including the most recent encounter in November 2020.
  • Watford haven’t conceded in five of their previous nine league games against Bristol City, including both of their most recent matches.
  • Watford has scored 13 goals in the past five meetings between the two clubs in all competitions, including six in the most recent meeting. In that period, the Hornets have only let up three goals.

Team Updates:

Hassane Kamara and Francisco Sierralta of Watford are eligible for selection after serving one-match bans.

Bristol City manager Pearson informed the media on Tuesday night that there are no more updates on injured players ahead of this weekend’s game, despite making eight changes for their Carabao Cup loss to Lincoln City.

Nakhi Wells leads the Robins in goals scored this season with seven, with Tommy Conway trailing one behind with six. Wells also leads the columns for shots on target (13) and shots off target (13). (18).

Defender Zak Vyner has taken the most passes for Bristol City (922), as well as in his own (490) and opposing (421) halves.

In addition, Jay Dasilva has tried the most crosses (92), while Wells is the leader in attempted dribbles again again (40).

Vyner has made the most interceptions for the Robins (34), while Alex Scott, the midfielder, has attempted the most tackles (47). Forward Wells has committed the most fouls (21), while both Scott and Joe Williams have received the most yellow cards this season at the club (7).

Slaven Bilić, Watford Head Coach:

“I am happy with the way that we played [against Reading], the way we acted as a team, the way we controlled the lead and the way we didn’t stop and wait for the final whistle.

“We are on the front foot with a positive result, which is for me the biggest thing from that game. It was overall a good and mature performance.

“If you let Bristol City play they can score goals. If you stop them, we have a chance. Their results mean they have been shaken a little bit, so I see this as a chance.”

Nigel Pearson, Bristol City Manager:

“They’ve got good players. There’s still a number of players that are still there from my time there. They know what they’re trying to do, and I think they’ve got a very realistic chance of bouncing back this year.

“It will be a tough game for us, but it’s also one in which our players will want to do well in.”

Last Six Results:

  • February 2021: Watford 6-0 Bristol City [Championship]
  • November 2020: Bristol City 0-0 Watford [Championship]
  • January 2018: Watford 3-0 Bristol City [Emirates FA Cup]
  • August 2017: Watford 2-3 Bristol City [League Cup]
  • January 2014: Watford 2-0 Bristol City [Emirates FA Cup]
  • January 2014: Bristol City 1-1 Watford [Emirates FA Cup]
Kajal S

Kajal S

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