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Watford vs Blackburn Odds Selection Odds Watford Win 23/20 Draw 5/2 Blackburn Win 21/10 Date: 16/09/25Kick-off time: 20:00 BSTVenue:…
Watford FC
v Blackburn Rovers FC
Vicarage Road
Championship Matchday 5
13-09-2025 14:00
Watford Form
Blackburn Form
Date: 13/09/25
Kick-off time: 15:00
Venue: Vicarage Road
Championship football is back at Vicarage Road, and it’s Watford taking on Blackburn Rovers in a clash that feels like it could go either way. Watford haven’t exactly been smashing it, but they’ve been steady – only one defeat in their last four games. Blackburn, though? They’re stumbling. Three defeats from their last four tells the story.
So, will Watford’s home form carry them through, or are Blackburn about to spring another surprise on the road? Let’s get into it.
The Hornets are without Imran Louza – suspended after his red card – and that’s a blow in midfield. Caleb Wiley (back), Pierre Dwomoh (thigh), and Giorgi Chakvetadze (foot) are all touch-and-go.
The good news? Nestory Irankunda is in flying form. Honestly, he’s been a livewire every time he’s played, and you just get the feeling he could light this one up. New defensive signings Jérémy Pétris and Formose Mendy are also in line to feature, which gives them extra depth at the back.
Sean McLoughlin is suspended, and Adam Forshaw is doubtful with a muscle problem. But the big talking point is Taylor Gardner-Hickman – signed on deadline day from Birmingham. He could slot straight in and give them some bite in midfield.
Blackburn’s issue is consistency. They can smash Hull 3-0 away, but then they go home and lose to Birmingham and Norwich. That unpredictability makes them dangerous but also unreliable.
Likely Lineups
Watford (3-5-2): Selvik; Alleyne, Keben, Abankwah; Ngakia, Sissoko, Kyprianou, Kayembe, Bola; Kjerrumgaard, Irankunda
Blackburn (4-2-3-1): Tóth; Alebiosu, Wharton, Miller, Ribeiro; Tavares, Tronstad; Kargbo, Cantwell, Hedges; Ohashi
Watford look set to stay compact, use the width of their wing-backs, and rely on Irankunda’s pace. Blackburn will try to stay solid with two holding midfielders and trust Todd Cantwell to feed Yuki Ohashi on the break.
Watford at home are tough to beat, and they’ve found the net in both league games at Vicarage Road so far this season. Blackburn have firepower but waste chances – that’s cost them in recent weeks.
Betting angles worth a look:
Blackburn might nick one on the counter, but Watford’s edge at home tips it their way.
Watford will look to control possession, push Blackburn back, and work their way into dangerous areas. Blackburn’s counter-attacking threat is real – we saw that away at Hull – but you just don’t trust them right now.
Match Prediction: Watford to win. Bet with bet365.
Alright, let’s talk exact numbers. Watford have been solid at home, scoring in both games at Vicarage Road, while Blackburn tend to grab one even when they lose. That sets this up nicely for a narrow home win.
Correct Score Prediction: Watford 2-1 Blackburn. Bet with bet365.
The recent numbers suggest a tight game. Watford haven’t scored more than two in any of their last four, and Blackburn’s attack has been hit-and-miss.
Over 2.5 goals feels like the safe play. If you’re braver, a punt on exactly 3 goals could be a smart call.
Over/Under Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Here’s a Watford vs Blackburn Bet Builder I like for Saturday:
That’s the combo if you fancy a lively, end-to-end clash with Watford just about edging it.
Bet Builder Tip: Watford to Win, BTTS Yes, Irankunda Anytime Scorer & Over 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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Watford look stronger at home, so they’re the favourites, but Blackburn’s counter-attack is a threat.
A 2-1 win for Watford looks the likeliest outcome.
The game is at Vicarage Road, Watford’s home ground.
Nestory Irankunda for Watford and Yuki Ohashi for Blackburn.