Watford – Brighton Prediction & Picks (11.08.2018)

Watford and Brighton & Hove Albion meet at Vicarage Road Stadium, in a match for the 1st round of the Premier League. In this stadium, the history of direct confrontations is favorable to the home team, which records 1 win and 2 draws in the last 3 matches. However, the last time these two teams played a match at this stadium was on 26-08-2017, in a match for the Premier League that ended in a draw by (0-0). In this game the home factor may be decisive, since both teams present considerable differences in the results achieved at home and as a visitor.

Watford:

This is the first match in this edition of the home team competition, which finished the previous edition in 14th position. This is a team that usually makes good use of the home advantage, stronger with the help of its supporters, since in the last 30 matches they register 2 wins, 2 draws and 11 losses in away matches, with 6 goals scored and 26 conceded; against 7 wins, 4 draws and 4 losses at their stadium, with 25 goals scored and 20 conceded. The team comes to this match after a win away with Brentford by (1-2). In the last 10 home matches Watford has won 5, tied 3 and lost 2. Defensive consistency has not been their best feature, as they have conceded goals in 8 of the last 10 matches. In their away matches there is a tendency for goals, since 14 of the last 21 matches have ended with Over 2,5 goals. In the last 20 home matches for all competitions there is 1 period that stands out: they have scored 11 of their 29 goals between minutes (76′-90 ‘).

The Watford comes to this new season with the aim of guaranteeing the maintenance as quickly as possible, after having finished in 14th place in the last championship. We remember that the locals made a positive preseason, adding only one defeat, against Düsseldorf. In this first match in their stadium, coach Javi Gracia will have to keep the team in a 4-2-3-1, privileging possession of the ball and organized attacks through the flanks. However, in some moments of the game you must act in a more direct way. On an individual level we highlight the importance of Roberto Pereyra, a very competent player in the offensive process. In doubt for this game are Okaka, Cleverley and Kaboul, all with physical problems.

Brighton & Hove Albion:

The visiting team makes its debut in this edition of the race after having finished the last season in the 15th position. This is a team that usually makes good use of the home advantage, stronger with the help of its supporters, since in the last 30 matches they register 1 win, 7 draws and 7 losses in away matches; against 8 wins, 4 draws and 3 losses at their stadium. The team comes to this match after a home victory over Nantes by (2-1). In the last 10 away matches Brighton & Hove Albion has drawn 4 and lost 6. The away team has conceded goals in 8 of the last 10 matches, so their defense needs to improve, but their attack has scored regularly, since he scored goals in 8 of the last 10 matches.

A bit like the adversary, the Brighton & Hove Albion aims to ensure the maintenance in the main division of English football and for that reason all points won away from home are a plus value. We remember that visitors come to this game with a victory over Nantes, 2-1. In this game away from home coach Chris Hughton must keep the 4-4-2, with Andone and Murray being the most advanced pieces of the team. However, outsiders exhibit several weaknesses in the maintenance of possession and completion of the ball. For this match the visiting coach still does not know if he can count on Steele and Towell.