Watford vs Aston Villa Predictions & Tips

Watford couldn’t have hoped for much more than an instant return to the big time following their relegation in 2019/20 but the real work begins on Saturday as they look to get off to a good start against an Aston Villa side in transition.

A lot has been made about Watford’s deficiencies in attack – four sides scored more than them in the Championship last season – but I’m expecting them to find the net on Saturday.

They might not have the capability to go out and bag goals for fun but they scored in each of their last 15 home games last season and Aston Villa’s defence fell apart in the closing stages of last term.

Villa in transition following Grealish departure

Dean Smith’s side conceded at least once in 11 of their final 12 games last season but did manage to get on the scoresheet themselves in ten of those, so I’m expecting a better match than it perhaps appears on paper at Vicarage Road.

Of course, the biggest talking point surrounding Aston Villa is how they are going to replace Jack Grealish but they have been busy over the summer and appear to be completely revamping the attacking side of their game.

Ings set to spearhead new-look attack

Emi Buendia, Leon Bailey and Danny Ings are fantastic players to help their cause going forward and they are likely to be key this season. Buendia is a doubt for this opener and Bailey is ruled out after a period of self isolation, but Ings is expected to make his debut.

The former Southampton striker is our outside pick for the top goalscorer award and I expect him to open his account on Saturday. The 29-year-old has scored 34 Premier League goals in the last two seasons and should thrive off Villa’s improved supply chain.

I am predicting a tight game on Saturday, though. Watford are unbeaten since February at home and Aston Villa do have a few selection issues to contend with. Both teams have scored in nine of Villa’s last ten league matches so I’m backing both teams to score and a 1-1 correct score prediction.

Watford predicted lineup: Bachmann / Femenia, Sierralta, Troost-Ekong, Rose / Etebo, Cleverley, Louza / Sarr, Dennis, Hernandez

Aston Villa predicted lineup: Martinez / Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett / Philogene-Bidace, Nakamba, McGinn, Young / Watkins, Ings

Aston Villa have failed to keep a clean sheet in 13 of their last 16 Premier League games
Aston Villa have won and both teams have scored in their last two Premier League games

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