This Week's Opposition: Watford

The Blues' Easter Monday opponents are put under the microscope by Jake Smith.

A win for Portsmouth in their next outing will see their Championship status for next season confirmed.

Standing in the way of them and survival is Watford.

MANAGER

In the dugout for The Hornets is former Manchester United and Everton midfielder Tom Cleverley, who succeeded Valérien Ismaël last March.

This is the 35-year-old’s first managerial job - He has so far achieved a win percentage of 35.71 from 56 games in charge.

ONE TO WATCH

French-born Moroccan international Imran Louza is our one to watch this Easter Monday.

With injuries to Giorgi Chakvetadze and Kwadwo Baah, as well as suspensions set to be served by both Moussa Sissoko and Edo Kayembe following dismissals on Good Friday, the spotlight is very much on the Watford number 10.

The 25-year-old joined the club from Nantes in France in June 2021 for a reported fee of 10 million Euros and has this season played in 30 Championship matches, registering 3 assists and 2 goals.

TOP SCORER

Watford’s leading scorer is Vakoun Bayo, who has notched 10 league goals from 38 appearances so far this campaign.

The Ivorian hasn’t scored since the 14th of January though, going 581 minutes of Championship football without finding the back of the net.

Bayo wears the number 19 shirt for The Hornets.

CURRENT FORM

A 2-1 defeat to Burnley at Vicarage Road and other results on Good Friday mathematically confirmed The Hornets as a Championship outfit for next season - They can no longer reach the Play-Offs and are in no danger of being relegated.

Tom Cleverley’s side sit 12th with 56 points accumulated from 43 games and a goal difference of -6.

Away from home this season, Watford have won 4, drawn 5 and lost 12.

They have won just once in the last 6 games, drawing 1 other and losing the other 4.

So, will this be the day that the Blues secure their Championship survival, or will The Hornets sting John Mousinho’s side in PO4?

Find out by tuning in to Express FM on 93.7FM or DAB Digital Radio on Easter Monday (April 21st) from 2pm - Jake Smith will be in position at Fratton Park alongside Kirsty Roxanne and James Wilson to provide coverage of the game between Portsmouth and Watford.

Kick-off: 3pm!