At the start of the season most people will have expected Sheffield United to be the side sitting around the playoff places, while Watford were expected to struggle. As it turns out there are surprises for both teams, with United occupying a bottom half position while the Hornets are absolutely flying and sit in 4th spot.
When any player decides to take up management there is always an element of risk and at the moment, the jury still seems to be out for Sheffield United manager Gary Speed. Since taking over in mid August, the former Wales midfielder has managed to pull the Blades out from the relegation zone but their position of 18th won’t sit well with supporters. Their form in general can only be described as inconsistent and in their last five games they’ve managed two wins, two defeats and one draw. While that may not seem too shoddy to some, those opponents have mainly been sat below them in the table and most are games that fans would expect to win. Of course, Speed needs time to put together his own squad, but on paper the Blades still possess some very good players and should be much higher up in the table than they currently are.
Watford on the other hand are having a storming season. The Hornets were tipped for a real season of struggle after losing several key players and hardly strengthening during the summer, but Malky Mackay is working miracles at Vicarage Road. They will have been disappointed to lose their last game at home to Swansea, but before that they were in fine form and recorded three consecutive victories having beaten Bristol City, Millwall and Middlesbrough. Strangely, it’s their away record which has put them into such a healthy position after Mackay’s men have won three and drawn one of their four games on the road so far this season. Perhaps if they can improve their record at Vicarage Road, they could be a real force this year.
In terms of team news, Sheffield United have a few problems coming into this one. Chris Morgan and Kyle Bartley have both been ruled out through injury, while Gary Speed will also be without the services of Jamie Ward who sits out through suspension. It’s a completely different story for Watford who have a fully fit squad to choose from. After an early scare with an ankle injury, Dale Bennett is now fully fit and available for selection.
As for a prediction, we’re going to tip a draw in this one. Watford have a very good away record, while Sheffield United’s form at Bramall Lane is average at best. With that, we’ll predict a 1-1 draw here.
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