Leeds United will aim to pull away at the top of the EFL Championship standings when they take on Watford on Tuesday.
Leeds United, the current leaders of the EFL Championship, will aim to secure a third successive league victory when they travel to Vicarage Road on Tuesday night to face Watford. With both teams fighting for different objectives in the league, this clash promises to be an intense encounter.
Watford’s recent form has been inconsistent, leaving them in 10th place in the Championship table, three points behind sixth-placed Blackburn Rovers. Despite a promising start to the season, Tom Cleverley’s side has struggled for momentum, with their last league win coming on January 18.
Heading into this match, the Hornets ended a run of three consecutive defeats with a 2-2 draw against Sunderland on Saturday. Watford came agonizingly close to a win, leading until the 89th minute, when Dennis Cirkin equalized for the Black Cats. While they will take positives from this result, Watford’s playoff hopes are in the balance, as they are only two points ahead of 14th-placed Millwall, highlighting the competitiveness of the Championship table.
At home, Watford have been strong this season, collecting 29 points from 15 matches. Their performances at Vicarage Road have been a cornerstone of their campaign, and they will hope to use home advantage to cause an upset against Leeds.
Leeds United have been the most consistent side in the Championship this season, sitting at the top of the table with two points clear of Sheffield United. Under Daniel Farke, Leeds have been a dominant force, combining attacking flair with defensive solidity.
While their 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Millwall on Saturday was a setback, it will have no bearing on their Championship momentum. Leeds are unbeaten in the league since the end of November and have won four of their last five matches, including a 7-0 demolition of Cardiff City earlier this month.
Leeds boast the highest-scoring attack in the division, having scored 62 goals this season, and their defensive record is also exceptional, with only 19 goals conceded, second only to Burnley. This balance between attack and defence has made Leeds favourites for automatic promotion.
The Whites also have an excellent recent record against Watford, going unbeaten in their last five meetings across all competitions. Their 2-1 victory over Watford in October at Elland Road will give them additional confidence heading into this clash. The Hard Tackle takes a look at how both sides could line up and what tactics they might employ on the day.
Team News & Tactics
Watford
Watford head into Tuesday’s match with several absences. Kwadwo Baah, Pierre Dwomoh, and Daniel Bachmann will all be unavailable for this fixture due to injuries. Additionally, Rocco Vata and Caleb Wiley are considered major doubts, further limiting manager Tom Cleverley’s options.
However, there is a boost for the Hornets as Vakoun Bayo returns to the squad after serving a suspension. The 28-year-old has been a key player this season, scoring ten goals in 30 appearances, and his availability adds a significant attacking threat. Meanwhile, Giorgi Chakvetadze, who has been in good form, is expected to retain his spot in the starting XI.
Watford are expected to set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Egil Selvik starting in goal. The back four will feature Ryan Andrews at right-back, James Abankwah and Mattie Pollock as the centre-back pairing, and Yasser Larouci at left wing-back, providing both defensive stability and attacking support from the flanks.
In midfield, the double pivot will consist of Imran Louza and Tom Dele-Bashiru, who will be tasked with breaking up Leeds’ attacks and distributing the ball effectively to Watford’s creative players.
Further forward, the attacking trio will see Moussa Sissoko on the right, Edo Kayembe in the centre, and Giorgi Chakvetadze on the left. This group will be responsible for linking midfield to attack and creating opportunities for the lone striker.
Leading the line will be Vakoun Bayo, who will look to use his pace, movement, and finishing ability to trouble Leeds United’s strong defensive unit. Bayo’s return provides a focal point for Watford’s attack and will be crucial in their efforts to secure a positive result at home.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Selvik; Andrews, Abankwah, Pollock, Larouci; Louza, Dele-Bashiru; Sissoko, Kayembe, Chakvetadze; Bayo
Leeds United
Leeds United will once again be without Patrick Bamford, who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. However, apart from Bamford’s absence, head coach Daniel Farke has a fully-fit squad to choose from for this important clash.
Farke rotated his lineup significantly for the FA Cup match against Millwall on Saturday, but the backup players failed to impress in a 2-0 defeat. As a result, the team’’ regular starters are expected to return to the lineup for Tuesday’s Championship encounter.
In attack, Joel Piroe will lead the line, continuing his impressive season in which he has scored 13 goals in 33 appearances. Supporting him in the final third will be Brenden Aaronson, Daniel James, and Manor Solomon, a trio capable of creating chances and troubling Watford’s defence with their movement and creativity.
Leeds United are likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Illan Meslier starting in goal. The defensive line will consist of Jayden Bogle at right-back, Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu as the center-back pairing, and Junior Firpo at left-back. This back four combines defensive solidity with the ability to contribute in attack.
In midfield, the double pivot will feature Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev, providing a blend of ball-winning ability and playmaking skills. They will be responsible for controlling the tempo of the game and ensuring a steady supply of passes to the attacking players.
The attacking midfield trio will include Daniel James on the right wing, using his pace and directness to stretch Watford’s defense; Brenden Aaronson in the central attacking role, offering creativity and vision; and Manor Solomon on the left wing, contributing flair and cutting inside to create scoring opportunities.
Up front, Joel Piroe will spearhead the attack, relying on his clinical finishing and intelligent movement to capitalise on any chances created by his teammates. His goalscoring record this season makes him a key figure for Leeds in their push for promotion.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Bogle, Rodon, Ampadu, Firpo; Tanaka, Gruev; James, Aaronson, Solomon; Piroe
Key Stats
- Watford are winless in their last five league games against Leeds United (D1 L4), conceding 2+ goals in each of their last four meetings with the Yorkshire side.
- Leeds United have lost just two of their last 10 league matches against Watford (5 wins, 3 draws). Interestingly, Leeds have only scored one more goal (14) than Watford (13) in these games, despite their superior record.
- Watford have lost their last four home league matches, each by a one-goal margin. Outside of the top flight, they haven’t lost five consecutive games at Vicarage Road since December 2013.
- Leeds United are unbeaten in their last 13 league games (9 wins, 4 draws) and have kept five consecutive clean sheets. The last time Leeds managed six clean sheets in a row was back in August/September 2017.
Player to Watch
Manor Solomon
The Israeli winger has been in scintillating form, directly contributing to nine goals in his last nine league appearances (4 goals, 5 assists). His creativity, pace, and ability to take on defenders make him a constant threat on the flanks.
What sets Solomon apart is his versatility and intelligence in the attacking third. Whether cutting inside from the left wing to unleash curling shots or delivering pinpoint crosses, Solomon’s influence on Leeds’ attacking play has been immense. His six assists this season are the joint-most for Leeds, alongside Junior Firpo and Daniel James, further highlighting his ability to link up with teammates and create chances.
Facing a Watford defence that has conceded 2+ goals in their last four meetings with Leeds, Solomon’s flair and incisiveness could be the key to unlocking the Hornets’ backline. His dynamic partnership with fellow attackers like Joel Piroe and Daniel James ensures that he is involved in most of Leeds’ dangerous plays.
Prediction
Watford 1-3 Leeds United
While Watford have been strong at home, Leeds’ superior form, goal-scoring prowess, and defensive organisation make them favourites for this matchup. Watford will likely try to frustrate Leeds and capitalise on counter-attacks, but Daniel Farke’s side has shown they can handle pressure and break down resilient defences.
Expect Leeds United to control possession and create numerous chances, ultimately securing an important victory to maintain their lead at the top of the Championship table. The Hard Tackle predicts a 3-1 win for Daniel Farke and his charges.
