Crystal Palace vs Watford predictions for this friendly pre-season clash that will be played on Saturday afternoon. Who will prevail in this preparation London’s derby? Read on for all our free betting tips and predictions.
[wptb id=395329]
Match Live Saturday, 22nd July at 4:00 pm In:
Crystal Palace vs Watford Predictions
[wptb id=394870]
Crystal Palace and Watford: A Strategic Battle Amid Pre-Season Friendlies
Key Stats
– Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace found the net twice in the opening 16 minutes in their last match.
– Watford, under new manager Valerien Ismael, held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw in their recent friendly.
As the pre-season games roll on, Roy Hodgson finds himself returning to familiar territory this Saturday, as Crystal Palace clashes with local adversaries Watford in a friendly match that will be held without fans. Hodgson, having experienced stints with various clubs, faces off against one of his past teams, making this match a particular spectacle.
Crystal Palace’s Competitive Edge
Crystal Palace are coming off a noteworthy 4-0 victory against Crawley Town. However, their journey in the friendlies hasn’t been a smooth sail. An initial defeat to Barnet was followed by a draw against Brondby, suggesting a shaky start. Yet, the recent triumph at Crawley’s Broadfield Stadium underlines their adaptability and growing form. Their formidable performance, marked by Jean-Philippe Mateta’s two early goals and contributions from Eberechi Eze and Naouirou Ahamada, leaves the team in a buoyant mood.
[wptb id=388698]
Despite not being able to pile on the goals in the second half, Crystal Palace demonstrated their capability to take command early, a strategy they’re expected to rely on in future matches. This impressive performance was achieved amid rumours of the club seeking to part ways with Mateta, who responded by showing his value on the pitch.
Beyond the friendlies, Crystal Palace also have an intriguing itinerary lined up, which includes challenging fixtures against Millonarios, Europa League victors Sevilla, and French powerhouses Lyon. These matches present a valuable opportunity for Hodgson’s side to test their mettle against internationally acclaimed teams.
Watford: A Club in Transition
The Hornets, under the fresh leadership of Valerien Ismael, are looking to bounce back from a modestly quiet summer and their recent relegation from the Premier League during the 2021-22 season. Following Chris Wilder’s short tenure, Ismael inherits a side that showed glimpses of potential, hovering in the Championship’s top three at one point under Slaven Bilic.
Despite their somewhat disappointing 11th place finish and early exits from the FA and EFL Cups, Watford are eager to stage a comeback. Under Ismael’s guidance, the team has drawn against Arsenal and Boreham Wood, providing some reason for optimism. With Queens Park Rangers set to visit Vicarage Road for their Championship opener on August 5, Watford will want to make a strong statement in their final friendly.
Predictions
Given the data and past performance, we can make the following predictions for the match.
1. Match Outcome
Given their strong performance against Crawley and Watford’s transitional phase, a Crystal Palace victory seems plausible. However, considering the unpredictable nature of friendlies, make sure not to exceed in the stake.
2. Correct Score Prediction
Based on both teams’ recent form and considering Crystal Palace’s balanced attack and Watford’s sturdy defence, a 2-1 victory for Crystal Palace seems likely.
3. Goalscorer Prediction
Considering his recent form and the strategic importance he brings to the side, Jean-Philippe Mateta is a strong candidate to find the back of the net during this match.
[wptb id=394870]
Top UK Bookies & Best Sign Up Offers
[wptb id=389092]
Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Exclusive Tips
Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!
