Watford vs Brighton Predictions

• Watford have improved defensively, conceding only once in two games under Hodgson
• Brighton have won once across their last 12 away games in all competitions
• The Seagulls have won six of 22 league games this term
• Brighton have drawn 1-1 in four of their last five league games

Encouraging signs from Hodgson

While the Watford side who shipped goals and persisted going forward were fun to watch, that approach wasn’t going to last long under their sack-happy owners. New boss Roy Hodgson has arrived to steady the ship, which has made Watford games a duller affair.

The Hornets have played two games under their new boss – a 0-0 draw at Burnley and a 1-0 loss at West Ham. Their winless run continues, but the fact that they limited West Ham to only three shots on target at home this week shows that the Hornets are making good strides.

Now they need to continue that against a Brighton side who struggle to dominate games.

Another missed opportunity for Brighton?

The Seagulls are having a solid season, but they consistently fail to win games. Graham Potter has made his team hard to beat – with only four defeats this season. However, they head into this clash with only six wins from 22 Premier League games.

The Seagulls haven’t won within 90 minutes across their last five games. In all competitions, Brighton have won only once across their last 12 away games. While they’re doing enough to stay clear of danger, Potters’ side would have to improve to live up to their favourites’ tag.

Watford to hold firm

Watford don’t have a great home record, having lost their last five in a row at home. However, the Hornets have only lost more successive home league games twice before in their history, so this is the perfect time for Hodgson to arrive.

The Hornets are already looking stronger than the team which struggled so much at Vicarage Road under Claudio Ranieri. Meanwhile, Brighton’s form on the road suggests that the hosts can get something out of this one. Given how the pair are looking, the value here is on Watford to avoid defeat.

Brighton have drawn 12 of their 22 Premier League matches so far this season, with four of their last five finishing 1-1. Given that run of results, a 1-1 draw looks like good value here as a correct score prediction.

Watford predicted lineup: Foster; Femenia, Cathcart, Samir, Kamara; Kucka, Kayembe, Sissoko; Dennis, King, Pedro

Brighton predicted lineup: Sanchez; Lamptey, Webster, Dunk, Cucurella; Gross, Bissouma, Lallana; Moder, Maupay, Welbeck