Match Preview | Watford vs. Cardiff City

Cardiff City return to Sky Bet Championship action by facing Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday, February 3rd, 3pm KO.

OPPOSITION FOCUS | IN THE DUGOUT

Watford are managed by Valérien Ismaël, who was appointed in May 2023, taking over from former boss Chris Wilder.

In his playing career, Ismaël featured for Bayern Munich between 2005 and 2007, achieving the feat of winning a league and cup double in 2006.

He began his managerial career with Hannover in 2011 and has since gained experience of the Championship with both Barnsley and West Bromwich Albion, prior to his move to the Hornets.

Since taking over at Watford, Ismaël has won 11 of his 30 matches in charge, with a win percentage of 36.67%.

OPPOSITION FOCUS | SEASON SO FAR

The Hornets currently sit 9th in the table, three points outside of the Play-Off places.

They are undefeated in their last seven games in all competitions, although five of those fixtures have ended in draws.

Last time out, Ismaël’s side played out a goalless draw away against Sheffield Wednesday.

In terms of their home record this season, they have won five out of 14 fixtures at Vicarage Road, a record that ranks 14th in the division.

OPPOSITION FOCUS | JANUARY BUSINESS

So far in the January transfer window, the Hornets have brought in one First Team player.

Nigerian attacker Emmanuel Dennis has rejoined the club on a loan deal from Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest.

Dennis spent the 2021/22 season at Vicarage Road, scoring 10 goals in 35 appearances.

As for departures, former Bluebird Rhys Healey has moved to Huddersfield Town, while influential midfielder Imran Louza has moved to French side FC Lorient on loan until the end of the season.

OPPOSITION FOCUS | KEY PLAYER

Watford’s top scorer this season is Mileta Rajović, who joined the club last summer from Swedish side Kalmar FF.

In his first season in the Sky Bet Championship, the 24-year-old has scored eight goals in 25 matches, an average of 0.32 per game.

Despite having a positive start to life as a Hornet, Rajović’s last goal was on December 23rd against Blackburn Rovers and the striker is yet to find the net this calendar year.