Preview: Watford vs. Reading - prediction, team news, lineups

Watford play host to Reading on Friday evening knowing that victory will move the club closer to an immediate return to the Premier League.

While the visitors do not feature in the automatic promotion race, the Royals will progress into fourth position in the Championship standings by claiming maximum points at Vicarage Road.

Match preview

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On the back of conceding a late equaliser to Middlesbrough on Easter Monday, Xisco will be aware that his Watford squad have much work ahead if they want to secure promotion to the top flight.

However, with Brentford and Swansea City both failing to take advantage, the Hornets effectively strengthened their hold of second spot, now sitting nine points clear with six matches remaining.

While the Bees and Swans both possess a game in hand, Watford require a maximum of 13 points during the run-in to book their spot back in the top tier.

Xisco's side remain on a seven-match unbeaten streak in the Championship, scoring 14 goals and conceding just three times at the opposite end of the pitch.

Winger Ismaila Sarr has netted twice in his last three appearances, taking his tally to 10 from 35 outings for the season.

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Although they have remained in and around the playoff places throughout the campaign, Reading went into their last fixture against Derby County having failed to win in four matches.

Veljko Paunovic would have been relieved to see that run brought to an end with a 3-1 win at the Madejski Stadium, building on a share of the spoils being earned at promotion rivals Barnsley.

With resurgent Bournemouth still possessing a game in hand, Reading will drop out of the top six if the Cherries take advantage of their extra fixture during the run-in.

Nevertheless, the drop off in form of Brentford and Swansea City has given hope to the chasing pack, particularly a Reading side which has now scored in eight successive contests.

Team News

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Xisco could keep faith with the side which earned a draw at Middlesbrough, resisting the temptation to bring in fresh legs.

Dan Gosling and Andre Gray are options should changes be made in midfield and attack, while Isaac Success is an alternative to Ken Sema on the flank.

Having netted as a substitute against Derby, top goalscorer Lucas Joao is expected to be recalled to the Reading XI.

Lewis Gibson could return to the side at left-back, but Michael Morrison is out with a hamstring injury.

Alfa Semedo may get the nod over Ovie Ejaria or Yakou Meite.

Watford possible starting lineup:

Bachmann; Femenia, Troost-Ekong, Sierralta, Masina; Chalobah, Hughes, Zinckernagel; Sarr, Pedro, Sema

Reading possible starting lineup:

Cabral; Yiadom, Holmes, Moore, Gibson; Rinomhota, Laurent; Meite, Olise, Ejaria; Joao

We say: Watford 2-1 Reading

Despite dropping points in the North-East, Xisco may feel that the disappointment could prove to be a blessing in disguise. With extra motivation ahead of this contest, we expect the Hornets to return to winning ways, potentially by the odd goal in three.