Match Preview | Cardiff City vs. Watford
The Bluebirds host Watford at Cardiff City Stadium in Sky Bet Championship action on Saturday afternoon.
The fixture will take place on December 7th, with a kick off time of 3pm.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT
Watford’s manager is Tom Cleverley, who initially took control as caretaker manager in March this year, before being announced on a permanent basis in April.
He had an impressive playing career representing the likes of Manchester United, Everton, Aston Villa and his current club Watford, among others. He also made 13 appearances for England and represented Great Britain in the 2012 Olympics.
Cleverley, who was forced to retire last year due to injury, took his first step into coaching as Watford U18s manager back in July 2023.
He stayed in the role until the dismissal of First Team manager Valérien Ismaël in March, when he stepped up to take control.
Since taking the job, Cleverley is the only manager in England’s top four leagues to be unbeaten at home.
He has a win percentage of 52.17%, winning 12 games, drawing three and losing eight.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | SEASON SO FAR
Our visitors head into this Saturday’s contest in the Play-Off places in sixth spot.
The Hornets have impressed at Vicarage Road this season, picking up 23 out of a possible 27 points at home.
The Golden Boys have been less successful on their travels this campaign, only picking up seven points on the road.
Last time out, the side were held to a goalless draw against Queens Park Rangers at home. Watford went close late on when Imran Louza’s free kick rattled the crossbar and almost bounced over the line.
OPPOSITION FOCUS | KEY PLAYER
The Hornets' key play this season has been Giorgi Chakvetadze, who joined the club at the start of the 2023/24 campaign from Belgian side KAA Gent.
Chakvetadze impressed this summer, representing his country Georgia at their first ever European Championship and helping his nation progress to the round of 16 stage.
A versatile attacker who operates effectively both out wide and in the number 10 role, he has the third most chances created in the Championship this season, creating 40 chances so far.
The skilful dribbler is a key part of the Hornets side, having started every Championship game for them this season, providing four assists to date.
STATZONE
This Saturday will be the 63rd time the two sides have met.
City have the slightly better record having won 25 of the contests, with Watford winning 23 times and the two clubs drawing on 15 occasions.
The first time City and the Hornets met was in the FA Cup back in 1923. The game ended in a 1-1 draw and resulted in a replay four days later, which also ended in a draw, before the Bluebirds finally came out victorious 2-1 the third time around.
The last time the two sides met, the Bluebirds came out on top, winning 1-0 at Vicarage Road, courtesy of a Josh Bowler screamer from outside the box.