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Wrexham vs. Watford: Preview, Predictions and Lineups
Wrexham face Watford in their first home match of the new Championship season on Saturday.
Phil Parkinson’s side gave a strong account of themselves against Cardiff City on Monday but paid the price for failing to make their dominance count when they conceded a heartbreaking equalizer with the last kick of the match. The Red Dragons will hope to learn from those mistakes this weekend and show the ruthless edge that was missing in the Welsh capital.
Watford were one of eight sides to win on the opening weekend, securing a surprise victory at home against Southampton. The Hornets took four points from their two meetings with Wrexham last season (W1, D1) and will head to the Racecourse Ground full of confidence.
Wrexham vs. Watford Score Prediction
Red Dragons Roar Back
Wrexham have a point to prove after their disappointing draw with Cardiff on the opening night of the season. Parkinson will demand a response from his players and hope they can capitalize on the chances that proved so costly last time out.
The Red Dragons drew 14 matches in the Championship last season and dropped 24 points from winning positions. One of those came in a 2–2 home draw with Watford last December, which should give them even greater incentive to secure all three points this weekend.
- Leading the line: Parkinson sprung a surprise when Kieffer Moore was selected to start against Cardiff, but it took him just three minutes to repay that faith with an excellent goal. Wrexham have two good options in attack with Moore and Sam Smith, but they would ideally like to settle on a regular starter if possible.
- Full debut: Ben Whiteman has made two substitute appearances for Wrexham since joining from Preston North End and could make his full debut this weekend. Matty James limped off during the Cardiff draw and, although he is back in training, starting him could be an unnecessary risk.
- Hornets ready to sting: The mood was low at Watford heading into the season after they finished 16th last time out and went through another managerial change. New head coach Alessio Dionisi proved plenty of people wrong on opening day, dropping star midfielder Imran Louza amid uncertainty over his future before securing a surprise victory. Watford are always difficult to predict, but they should never be underestimated.
Prediction: Wrexham 2-1 Watford
Wrexham Predicted Lineup vs. Watford
Wrexham could name an unchanged starting lineup when they host Watford in the Championship this weekend.
Anthony Patterson is the first-choice goalkeeper and will keep his place, while it appears Parkinson has settled on his preferred back three of Zak Vyner, Dom Hyam and Callum Doyle.
Danny Imray was excellent against Cardiff and should start again, with George Thomason the logical choice at left wingback. Lewis O’Brien should retain his deeper midfield role, with a decision to be made between James and Whiteman for the other position.
Nathan Broadhead is certain to start in attacking midfield, while Ollie Rathbone appears the most likely player to partner him behind the striker. Moore impressed against his former club Cardiff, and it would be harsh to drop him after he scored on Monday.
Wrexham predicted lineup vs. Watford (3-4-2-1): Patterson; Vyner, Hyam, Doyle; Imray, James, O'Brien, Thomason; Rathbone, Broadhead; Moore.
Watford Predicted Lineup vs. Wrexham
Left back Marc Bola has been struck down by a hamstring problem, which opens the door for summer signing Jordan Zemura to start.
Jeremy Ngakia and Kwadwo Baah both miss out with a thigh injury, while Jack Grieves and Travis Akomeah both remain unavailable.
Watford predicted lineup vs. Wrexham (4-2-3-1): Ravaglia; Traoré, Pollock, Keben, Zemura; Bove, Kyprianou; Nabizada, Bravo, Maamma; Doumbia.
What Time Does Wrexham vs. Watford Kick Off?
- Location: Wrexham, Wales
- Stadium: Racecourse Ground
- Date: Saturday, August 22
- Kickoff: 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT / 3 p.m. BST
How to Watch Wrexham vs. Watford on TV and Live Stream
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | Paramount+, Wrexham AFC Live |
United Kingdom | N/A |
Canada | Wrexham AFC Live |
Mexico | Wrexham AFC Live |
Australia | Wrexham AFC Live |
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Rich Fay is a Sports Illustrated freelance writer covering Wrexham AFC. He was born in Wrexham and raised in North Wales, but spent nine years covering Manchester United and Manchester City for the Manchester Evening News and National World. Rich is also the co-host of the RobRyanRed Wrexham podcast and featured in the Welcome to Wrexham docuseries. When he is not at matches, he is a keen hiker as well as a cook, and thinks he would do surprisingly well on the Great British Bake Off.