Preview: Hull City vs. Watford - prediction, team news, lineups

Watford make the long trip to face Hull City on Saturday afternoon needing maximum points to retain any hope of making the Championship playoffs.

At a time when the Hornets occupy 12th spot in the table, Hull are six points further adrift in 16th position.

Match preview

© Reuters

Chris Wilder and his Watford side deserved praise when they shook off speculation over his future to record a 2-0 victory over Bristol City.

That result kept the club in the playoff race, albeit as outsiders, but their dramatic collapse versus Cardiff City on Wednesday has left the Hornets almost out of contention.

Although trailing by five points with three games left, some of the teams above them have a match in hand, effectively leaving Watford needing to win their remaining fixtures and hope for the best.

Failure to reach the top six will likely see Wilder depart Vicarage Road at the end of the season with just eight points coming from as many matches in charge.

Watford are also without an away victory since January 2, a statistic which highlights the size of their task ahead of making the visit to the MKM Stadium.

© Reuters

From Hull's perspective, they have long been playing for consolidation, yet that is acceptable right now having spent much of the campaign threatened by relegation.

Liam Rosenior has overseen just two wins in 13 matches, but accumulating seven draws during that period has proven the difference when it comes to staying clear of the bottom three.

Hull had been on course to extend their unbeaten run to six matches earlier this week when they led Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium, only to succumb to three goals at the start of the second half.

Rosenior will now look to lift his side ahead of their remaining triple-header with 14th position still achievable given that they only sit adrift of that place on goal difference.

Team News

© Reuters

Youngster Harry Vaughan may drop out of the Hull XI, with Ryan Longman or the injured Oscar Estupinan coming back into the starting lineup.

With next season in mind, Xavier Simons may get a chance in central midfield, but minimal alterations are expected after the encouraging performance versus Middlesbrough.

Wilder will inevitably ring the changes to his Watford starting lineup with Jeremy Ngakia in contention to return at right-back.

Ken Sema and Yaser Asprilla are also pushing for opportunities, depending on whether Wilder keeps with a central three.

Christian Kabasele may also be recalled to the defence in place of either Ryan Porteous or Wesley Hoedt.

Hull City possible starting lineup:

Darlow; Coyle, McLoughlin, Greaves, Elder; Sayyadmanesh, Simons, Slater, Pelkas; Traore, Longman

Watford possible starting lineup:

Bachmann; Andrews, Porteous, Kabasele, Kamara; Kone, Choudhury, Asprilla; Sarr, Davis, Pedro

We say: Hull City 2-1 Watford

Watford can only be low on confidence after Wednesday's capitulation and we feel that could show in their performance. While Hull have struggled for wins themselves, the Tigers will fancy their chances of outworking the Hornets for the three points.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.