Birmingham City and Watford enter their upcoming Championship showdown at St Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park separated by just a single point, both eyeing promotion hopes. Despite their similar league standings, Birmingham’s home form gives them a distinct advantage.
Both clubs boast strong performances on home turf, sitting near the top of the home form table this season. Conversely, their away records lag behind, with Birmingham slightly edging Watford—eight points from nine away matches compared to Watford’s six from eight.
This home prowess makes Birmingham City the favorites as they welcome Watford, now guided by Javi Gracia, for this Monday evening fixture.
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Manager Chris Davies has maintained a consistent starting lineup throughout recent weeks, requiring only one enforced change: Bright Osayi-Samuel will step in at right-back due to the suspension of Tomoki Iwata.
While there is ongoing discussion among fans about whether Paik Seung-ho or Marc Leonard should partner Tommy Doyle in midfield, Davies has firmly backed Paik in his current setup.
The attacking formation remains unchanged, with Marvin Ducksch leading the line supported by Patrick Roberts, Jay Stansfield, and Demarai Gray.
Davies’ reluctance to alter the team during Wednesday’s draw against West Bromwich Albion, only making a substitution in the 83rd minute, confirms a clearly defined first XI that he trusts.
Looking ahead to the busy festive period, rotation may become necessary, but for now, Davies shows confidence in the squad that has steadily propelled Birmingham City in the right direction this season.
Predicted XI to face Watford (4-2-3-1): Beadle; Osayi-Samuel, Neumann, Klarer, Cochrane; Doyle, Paik; Roberts, Stansfield, Gray; Ducksch