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

Watford play host to Hull City on Sunday looking for the win which will strengthen their position in the Championship playoff places.

At a time when the Hornets occupy fourth spot in the standings, Hull are down in 20th, just one point above the relegation zone.

Match preview

© Reuters

During his stint in charge before the World Cup break, Slaven Bilic did not have the smoothest of early periods as Watford head coach, losing four of his opening 11 games.

Nevertheless, six wins and a draw came from the other fixtures, ensuring that the Hornets moved into the playoff positions and in contention for automatic promotion.

That was the board's wish when Rob Edwards was controversially removed from his role in September, and as of now, they will feel vindicated for making such a decision.

Bilic is aware that there can be no let up when leaders Burnley currently sit eight points clear of them, although the Croatian will insist that his side will only be focusing on their own results.

Despite only posting a goalless draw from their last competitive fixture at Bristol City, it took their current total to 13 points from six games, one of the best returns in the division.

© Reuters

As far as Hull are concerned, recently-appointed boss Liam Rosenior would have been content with a few weeks off from competitive action after three matches in the first 10 days of his tenure.

During that spell, four points were collected from games against Millwall, Cardiff City and Reading, enough to move the Tigers outside of the relegation zone.

Rosenior's main target will be improving a backline which possesses the worst defensive record in the division, conceding six more goals than anyone else.

Five strikes were shipped during their most recent two fixtures, but Rosenior will take encouragement from the recent 1-1 draws which have been recorded in friendlies versus Istanbul Basaksehir and Trabzonspor.

© Reuters

Having played four games for Senegal at the World Cup, the most recent one being against England on Sunday, Ismaila Sarr may only be named on the Watford substitutes' bench at best.

Joao Pedro will hope to earn a recall to the starting lineup, but Dan Gosling is a long-term absentee after suffering an Achilles injury versus Bristol City.

The Brazilian could play in a creative midfield role behind Keinan Davis, with Samuel Kalu retaining his spot out wide.

Hull remain without Oscar Estupinan, who continues to serve his suspension for a red card in the game versus Millwall on November 5.

Ozan Tufan will hope for a recall in midfield, potentially ahead of Regan Slater, while Chelsea loanees Xavier Simons and Harvey Vale are now pushing for inclusion after receiving game time in the friendlies during the break.

Watford possible starting lineup:

Bachmann; Gaspar, Troost-Ekong, Kabasele, Kamara; Kayembe, Choudhury; Sema, Pedro, Kalu; Davis

Hull City possible starting lineup:

Baxter; Christie, Figueiredo, Jones, Greaves; Woods, Seri; Docherty, Tufan, Longman; Pelkas

We say: Watford 2-0 Hull City

Despite defeat last time out, Hull will fancy their chances of causing a surprise at Vicarage Road. However, Watford could emerge as an improved team after the World Cup break, leading us to predict a comfortable win for the Hornets.

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