Match Preview: Sheffield United vs Watford - Expert Analysis

Sheffield United’s return to the Championship hasn’t gone entirely smoothly. Not only were they deducted two points on their return for defaulting on payments to other clubs, but they have also drawn twice, both against teams that they would have wanted to beat. Watford have made it clear that their aim this season is promotion to the Premier League at the third time of asking.

Sheffield United vs Watford Standings

Sheffield United come into this fixture in 11th in the league on three points. Even though they are unbeaten, with a win and two draws, they are down in mid table because of their points deduction. While two points doesn’t sound like a lot, it is significant in a league like the Championship, as that could cost them at the end of the season.

Watford are one of two teams with a 100% record in the league so far alongside Sunderland. Their matches so far have not exactly been difficult, beating Millwall, Stoke and Derby, but they can only beat what is in front of them, and they have done that. Sheffield United poses the greatest opposition to them so far.

Sheffield United vs Watford Head to Head

The two clubs’ head to head record over recent years is quite even. In the last two seasons in which they have been in the same league, each team has one win, one loss and two draws.

Sheffield United 1-0 Watford (Feb 2023)

Watford 1-0 Sheffield United (Aug 2022)

Sheffield United 1-1 Watford (Dec 2019)

Watford 0-0 Sheffield United (Oct 2019)

Sheffield United have been historically the better team however in recent history Watford have comfortably sat above United for the most part. For 10 years between 2000 and 2010, the two clubs were in the same league until Sheffield United were relegated in 2010/11.

Sheffield United vs Watford Top Scorers

Both Ollie Arblaster and Gus Hamer have scored twice in the league this season. Both of their first goals came in the opening game, in which they beat Preston 2-0. Hamer scored his second in the next match and Arblaster scored his second last week in a draw against Norwich.

Edo Kayembe is the outright top scorer in the league for Watford so far this season, with three goals. He scored a second half brace against Stoke to help the Hornets to a home victory.

Sheffield United vs Watford Team News

Sheffield United could be without two full backs for this game as both Jamie Shackleton and Femi Seriki are returning from injury. Chris Wilder was hopeful to secure a loan deal for Bournemouth defender Chris Mepham, but he looks like he might be on the way to Sunderland, which will be disappointing for the Blades.

Watford have just one major absentee in Kevin Keben who is expected back at the end of September having sustained a knee injury. While Sheffield United were unable to get their Bournemouth target on loan, the Hornets have, with Daniel Jebbison having joined the club in recent days from the south coast side.

Sheffield United vs Watford Predicted Lineups

Sheffield United: M. Cooper, A. Gilchrist, H. Souttar, A. Trusty, H. Burrows, A. Brooks, V. Souza, O. Arblaster, G. Hamer, C. O’Hare, K. Moore

Watford: D. Bachmann, M. Pollock, F. Sierralta, J. Morris, R. Andrews, M. Sissoko, T. Dele-Bashiru, Y. Larouci, E. Kayembe, G. Chakvetadze, D. Jebbison

Sheffield United vs Watford Player to Watch

Edo Kayembe has scored three goals in three league games so far this season. He is playing further forward than he has before in his career so is bound to get more goals than previous seasons, but his record so far has surprised even Watford fans. It wouldn’t be too much of a shock then if he continued this into the next game.