Watford vs Middlesbrough Match Preview

The opening game of the English Championship for the 2020-21 season takes place on Friday evening, September 11th, at Vicarage Road between Watford and Middlesbrough.

This is Watford's first game in the Championship after competing in the English Premier League for the last 6 years. This team stands out for their quality in the midfield and its offensive lines with players like Welbeck, Deeney, G.Murray, A.Gray, Pereyra, and Deulofeu, however, I am not really convinced that they are that good as well, back in their defense.

In their most recent appearance, in a friendly match against the strong Tottenham, Watford performed good winning by 2-1.

Middlesbrough has been playing in the Championship for several years and certainly, their return to the Premier League is where Neil Warnock is aiming, who is one of the most successful English managers in promotions. However, for another season I think that Middlesbrough has not the required quality to win their straight promotion, but I think that they are capable to wing a playoff spot and fight for the promotion.

Last Friday, Middlesbrough faced Shrewsbury for the League Cup, in a game which they prevailed by 4-3. However, their defensive gaps are more than obvious. 

Undoubtedly, the hosts are the favorites to win here, but I will not pick a winner for this match since it's the first official game of the new season. The hosts have a new manager on their bench (V.Ivic), and he have to convince all these Watford stars that they will play in the second trier of English football. 

Of course, they are much better than their opponents, but Middlesbrough has a great set of attackers and I expect them to score at least once in this match. I think a 2-1 or 3-1 win for Watford is quite possible. 

Therefore, BTTS: Yes looks like the safest choice in this match,.