Watford vs Sheffield United – Preview | OneFootball

Sheffield United are on their travels once more this weekend as they head down to Vicarage Road to face Watford.

Watford head into this game after back-to-back defeats with their most recent one coming against QPR in a 3-1 loss. The Hornets have conceded at least once in each of their last six games, and it’s this defensive record that has seen them slip outside of the playoff spots into 8th.

United, meanwhile, have been struggling to select a full matchday squad of late due to injuries. As a result of fatigue, their performances have dropped considerably and they’ve picked up just one point from their last three games. In truth, even the two games prior, against Plymouth Argyle and Cardiff City, both ended in 2-0 wins for the Blades, but they flattered to deceive. Nevertheless, they are still three points off the top spot of the Championship.

Transfer Business

Back in late August, I pointed out Moussa Sissoko and Yasser Larouci in this section of my preview from the reverse fixture, with the latter choice probably being laughed at given his performances for United in last season’s Premier League campaign. However, his performances for Watford have been so much better than what he showed for the Blades.

Larouci has three assists to his name, and he ranks excellently in most creative metrics compared to other Championship full-backs and wing-backs this season.

Sissoko is one of the most experienced and decorated players in the league, and he’s certainly shown that this season. And despite being 35, he is still playing a box-to-box type of role.

On the other hand, the loan signing of Daniel Jebbison has not paid off for the player or club, he’s made just 13 appearances which have averaged 31 minutes per game.

Team News

Watford could finally have midfield duo Imran Louza and Tom Dele-Bashiru back for the weekend as both have recovered from their knee injuries. Additionally, Angelo Ogbonna could be welcomed back to the starting eleven for the first time since October.

Sheffield United are still struggling with injuries. Tyrese Campbell, Vinicius Souza, Jamie Shackleton, Femi Seriki and Jesurun Rak-Sakyi are all said to be out until the Norwich City game later on this month.

Watford’s Star Player For This Game

WATFORD, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 15: Giorgi Chakvetadze of Watford in action during the Sky Bet Championship match between Watford FC and West Bromwich Albion FC at Vicarage Road on December 15, 2024 in Watford, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

Giorgi Chakvetadze is a player that I’ve enjoyed watching for club and country over the last two or three years. His burst of energy and technical ability can cause a fatigued Sheffield United team plenty of problems on Saturday afternoon.

The Georgian international is a progressive and creative monster. He ranks in the 97th percentile for both progressive carries and progressive passes compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers in the Championship.

Chakvetadze is averaging 2.5 key passes per 90 and over five shot-creating actions per 90, ranking in the 95th percentile and 99th percentile respectively.

With how the Blades have struggled in recent weeks, even against Plymouth Argyle, if Watford and Chakvetadze are in top form then the Blades’ midfield could struggle to contain the home side’s attack.

Sheffield United midfielder Andre Brooks scores his first goal for the club came on his 44th appearance, against West Bromwich Albion. (Image Credit: Sheffield United Football Club).

Sheffield United’s Star Player For This Game

The Blades have struggled to create good quality chances all season (currently generated the fourth-worst big chances total in the league), and missing penalties when you get them certainly doesn’t make matters any better.

A bright spark over the last week or so has been Andre Brooks. The boyhood Blade has injected much-needed pace into the team from the inverted right-winger role. And given United’s basic attack in recent weeks, Saturday could be a chance to give Brooks another start.

The academy product ranks in the highest percentile for both take-on attempts and successful take-ons compared to other Championship midfielders. He also ranks in the 96th percentile for expected assists, as well as ranking in the 85th percentile for crosses into the box.

Brooks is a forward-thinking player with excellent athleticism, and with him on the pitch, you’d like to think he gives the Blades a better chance of threatening the opposition on a more regular basis.

My Prediction

As far as Watford’s creativity is concerned, they are 9th in the league for expected goals, slightly better than the Blades. However, it’s at the other end that’s the problem. They have 6th-worst defence in terms of expected goals against.

Sheffield United have been frustrating to watch this season from corners because they have not been anywhere near as successful as I imagined heading into the campaign. They have arguably the best two dead-ball deliverers in the Championship, with Gustavo Hamer the right-footed option and Harrison Burrows the left-footed choice. And, they have been one of the tallest teams in the league.

But, perhaps their fortunes may change this weekend as 34% of the xG Watford have given up has been from set-pieces. That’s the second-highest total in the league, with only Sheffield Wednesday being the worst team.

Even though Watford are 8th, according to Opta, they are massively overachieving. Their expected league position is currently 19th.

Right now, I don’t have huge confidence in United simply due to the amount of fatigued players being forced to play because of lack of depth. However, Watford’s defence cannot be trusted either.

With that in mind, I’m predicting three or four goals in the game on Saturday. Sheffield United can get back to winning ways despite a depleted team; I’m going for a 3-1 win for the Blades.