Birmingham City and Watford face off in the Championship on Monday night as we head into the hectic festive period.
Birmingham City take on Watford on Monday evening as they look to close the gap to the Championship play-off spots. After a disappointing start, BCFC has found their feet in recent weeks.
Four wins, two defeats and one draw in the past seven matches have seen an upward turn for the Blues. However, Chris Davies and his colleagues will demand more as ambitions of promotion to the Premier League already existed before the season started.
Last time out they fought to claim a late point at West Brom through a Marvin Ducksch goal. City are back on home turf and have won their last three games at St. Andrew’s 4-1, 4-1 and 4-0.
As for Watford, they too have shown signs of improvement. Javi Gracia has three wins, three draws and two defeats in his eight games since returns to replace Paulo Pezzolano.
They were held to a 1-1 draw Preston North End in midweek as former loan flop Daniel Jebbison scored for the visitors. However, the Hornets will be hoping for another result on the road after winning their first away game of the campaign on their last trip beyond Vicarage Road.
They fought back to win 3-2 at Derby County, and that result is part of a five-match unbeaten run.
Watford’s last five Championship games
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
James Ray
“I’ll be intrigued to see how this plays out on Monday night. I certainly don’t see Birmingham City turning around Watford like they have done with their last three opponents on home turf.”
“However, BCFC have every reason to be confident about taking part in this. Davies is starting to make his side click and with all the talent they are proud of, hopefully more will come from the Blues.
“Watford have tightened up under Gracia and achieved some great results. That win on the road against Derby County in their last away match could be of real value if the Hornets are to break their away hoodoo.
“However, I think the hosts may have a little too much in this match. It should be a good match, but I’m going for a narrow 2-1 home win.”
Prediction: Birmingham City 2-1 Watford
Robert Wild
“Birmingham City picked up a valuable point last time out, something they have struggled to do so far this season. Chris Davies will look to carry that momentum into Monday’s home game.
“However, it won’t be an easy task like their last few home games, against a Watford side who have proven difficult to beat in recent weeks. They got a good point against a high-flying Preston side in midweek.”
“Despite the five-place difference, only one point separates the two teams, which is a real test of BCFC’s home form.
“The Blues, however, look to be finding their way in the Championship, especially at St Andrew’s, although Watford’s resilience will be their toughest task at home in their last three.”
Prediction Birmingham City 3-1 Watford
#Birmingham #City #Watford #Predictions #News #The72 #Football #League #News