Wrexham host Watford in the Championship this weekend as both sides look to close the gap on the play-off places.
Wrexham made a slow start, but they have since embarked on an impressive run to climb the Championship table. Phil Parkinson’s side now sit 14th after a run of seven games unbeaten and just four points off the play-offs.
A new-look squad built over the summer has given the Red Dragons the tools to compete immediately after promotion from League One. However, they are never a club to stand still, and more business is expected in January.
Image courtesy of: JOHN SIBLEY/REUTERS.
Their unbeaten run came to an end in midweek as Wrexham lost 2-0 to Hull City. Goals from Kyle Joseph and Oli McBurnie were enough to end Parkinson’s side’s impressive run.
Watford are just one point ahead of Wrexham in the Championship. The Hornets have had a strange start to the season after sacking new boss at the time Paulo Pezzolano and replacing him with former favourite Javi Gracia.
Gracia is yet to get the best out of the Watford side, which is filled with promising talent. However, the Hornets have lost just one of their last five games.
Javi Gracia’s stats since rejoining Watford
GamesWinsDrawsLosses11443
Gracia will have been very disappointed to get just a point last time out against struggling Sheffield Wednesday. Watford were lucky to get that point in the end as Vivaldo Semedo scored a late 97th-minute equaliser, his second goal since joining in the summer.
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
Charlie Hodgson
“Wrexham are having a fine season on their long-awaited return to the Championship. For a side that have had three successive promotions to be in the play-off hunt is a brilliant campaign so far.
“As for Watford, these next few weeks are make or break for their season. A consistent run of games for them could see them make a statement in their hunt for a return to the Premier League.
Image courtesy of: PAUL CHILDS/REUTERS.
“This will be a very close game that could be very entertaining. I think the home side will take the three points, but I would not be surprised if the tie went the other way.”
Prediction: Wrexham 3-1 Watford
James Ray
“Wrexham will be determined to get back on track after their Hull City loss, and they’ve got a favourable fixture in the bid to do so.
“Watford are a solid side with some really talented players but they have a pretty awful record on the road. It means the Red Dragons will be confident of getting back to winning ways here.
“I think we’ll get a fairly close tie, but ultimately one that the hosts prevail in. I’ll go for a 2-1 Wrexham win.”
Prediction: Wrexham 2-1 Watford
