Preston vs Watford Predictions

• Preston have kept clean sheets in all four Championship games this term, but have only scored one goal themselves.
• Watford have drawn their two away league games 1-1.
• Preston’s xG has been significantly greater than that of both their previous home opponents this season.

Preston primed to break their duck

Preston are having no luck in front of goal this season, but their solid defensive stats make a good argument for supporting them in the draw no bet market against Watford this weekend. The Lilywhites have yet to concede a goal this term in four Championship outings and they have restricted both previous home opponents to little but scraps.

Ryan Lowe’s men totally dominated Rotherham on Tuesday, but could not apply the killer touch to take all three points. The Millers defended manfully and also needed a bit of help from the woodwork when Preston’s approach play put them in some great positions to score.

The xG differential between the two sides was almost 2, as it was when Hull City held Preston to a 0-0 draw earlier this month, so it might not be too long before the Deepdale faithful are rewarded with a goal glut. Watford are not the sort of team to throw in a defensive shocker and aid their cause, but their inconsistency makes them hard to back at roughly the same price as the hosts.

Watford might wobble after St Andrew’s comeback

Rob Edwards’ side created enough to beat Birmingham City in midweek but didn’t – and a second tough away trip in a few days might be a bit too much for them. Five of the Hornets’ starters at St Andrew’s were part of their promotion-winning squad from 2020-21, but a good few are newcomers unused to the unrelenting Championship grind.

With safety in mind, draw no bet seems the best approach here as Watford were able to dig in for a draw at West Brom when under a severe bombardment. Backing both teams not to score would have been  consideration too, but Watford’s attack is likely to be the best unit North End have faced so far this season.

The first goal – if one comes – will be crucial and Preston’s record of winning four of the last five games that they have notched first is persuasive enough to go for a 1-0 home win. Watford were caught out by one bit of Scott Hogan brilliance in turning their defence on Tuesday in an otherwise blunt Birmingham display.