Watford play host to Preston North End on Saturday afternoon looking for the win which is required to stay in close proximity to the Championship playoffs.

At a time when the Hornets sit four points adrift of the top six, Preston are 12th in the standings, just four points behind their hosts.

Match preview

While there has been no speculation regarding his job, Watford boss Slaven Bilic will appreciate that he is walking on thin ice after a poor run of results.

Just one win and seven points have come from their last seven matches in the Championship, seeing Watford drop down to eighth position in the table.

Watford's away record is largely to blame with no victories coming from their last four fixtures on the road, although the Hertfordshire-based outfit have hardly been convincing at Vicarage Road.

Despite a four-match unbeaten run in front of their own supporters, Watford only avoided a third draw in succession when defying two West Bromwich Albion equalisers on February 20.

On a more positive note, Bilic's team have lost just twice in nine league fixtures, those defeats coming at Middlesbrough and Sheffield United who occupy third and second spot respectively.

Although inconsistency has blighted Preston during 2022-23, Ryan Lowe's side are currently on their longest unbeaten streak since August.

Six points have been collected from their most recent four games, three of those fixtures ending in draws while a 2-1 win was posted against Wigan Athletic.

Lowe would have wanted more from Tuesday's fixture with Coventry City, but a goalless draw versus one of the form teams in the division should be regarded as a respectable result.

Preston sit eight points adrift of the playoffs, helped by Luton Town and Millwall playing out a draw in midweek, yet victory at the weekend will catapult them back into contention for the top six.

Team News

Despite going down at Sheffield United last weekend, Bilic may be prepared to stick with the Watford XI which started that match.

If a change is made, Ismael Kone may be restored to the centre of midfield in place of Imran Louza.

However, Hamza Choudhury, another player in that position, is one yellow card away from a two-match ban, something which may be considered over the coming weeks.

After a combination of injury and suspension, Preston are able to call upon Greg Cunningham, Ben Whiteman and Robbie Brady this weekend.

The recall of Whiteman is dependent on whether Lowe feels that his side require fresh legs, while Cunningham could replace the suspended Liam Lindsay.

At least one alteration could be made in attack with Troy Parrott and Liam Delap both pushing for opportunities.

Watford possible starting lineup:
Bachmann; Gaspar, Porteous, Hoedt, Morris; Kone, Choudhury; Sarr, Pedro, Sema; Davis

Preston North End possible starting lineup:
Woodman; Storey, Diaby, Cunningham; Potts, Browne, Ledson, Fernandez; Johnson; Delap, Parrott

We say: Watford 2-1 Preston North End

With Preston having found some form of late, they will be optimistic about collecting something from Vicarage Road. However, Watford are under pressure to go on the offensive, and that may suit Bilic's side as they play catch-up in the second-tier promotion race.

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