Watford square off against Huddersfield Town on Saturday afternoon looking for the win that would keep them active in the Championship playoff race.
Meanwhile, the visitors make the trip to Vicarage Road sitting just two points above the relegation zone, albeit having put together an improved run of form.
Match preview
When Watford head coaches suffer four defeats in a row, they usually lose their job, but that has not been the case with Valerien Ismael.
Despite losing to Cardiff City, Southampton, Leicester City and Norwich City in the space of 11 days, the Hornets hierarchy have remained unmoved.
In response, Watford got back to winning ways last weekend, recording a 1-0 triumph away at bottom-side Rotherham United for their first win since January 14.
Given the opponents, Ismael will not be getting carried away, particularly with Watford now 10 points adrift of the top six in the standings.
Nevertheless, with a favourable fixture list, on paper, to come, the foundations have been laid to kick on over the coming weeks during a period which will prove decisive in the context of their season.
Meanwhile, Huddersfield have recently taken the decision to appoint another German manager, this time in Andre Breitenreiter who has previously managed Hoffenheim.
Caretaker boss Jon Worthington remained in charge for last week's fixture at home to Hull City, with the Terriers losing 2-1 at the John Smith's Stadium.
All eyes will now be on how Breitenreiter copes with trying to move the Yorkshire outfit away from relegation trouble, the current gap to 22nd position being two points.
However, prior to their last-gasp defeat to Hull, Huddersfield had won two of their previous three fixtures, and there will be optimism that they can overcome Watford despite being without an away success since November 29.
Team News
With Ryan Porteous serving the second of a two-game ban, Mattie Pollock should retain his place in the centre of the Watford defence.
Although Jake Livermore and Emmanuel Dennis are among those pushing for starting roles, Ismael may be prepared to stay with the same Watford XI.
Huddersfield's first starting lineup under Brietenreiter is somewhat of an unknown, yet the new boss would have been satisfied with many aspects of their performance last time out.
Brahima Diarra supplied the assist for the equaliser against Hull and could be recalled at the expense of either Alex Matos or Ben Wiles.
Delano Burgzorg or Danny Ward may also get the nod over Josh Koroma, who failed to make an impression versus the Tigers.
Watford possible starting lineup:
Hamer; Dele-Bashiru, Pollock, Hoedt, Lewis; Sierralta; Asprilla, Kayembe, Kone, Sema; Rajovic
Huddersfield Town possible starting lineup:
Nicholls; Pearson, Balker, Lees, Spencer; Hogg, Matos; Rudoni, Diarra, Thomas; Burgzorg
We say: Watford 2-0 Huddersfield Town
Having finally got back on track last time out, Ismael will be hopeful of putting a run of wins together. Huddersfield have shown potential to improve of late, yet we feel that the Hornets will run out convincing victors here.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
body check tags ::
Previews by email
