Barnsley vs Watford
31st October 1500hrs
Football – England – EFL Championship
Pick Away Win -1
Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 19/5 odds taken 1239 GMT, Friday 30 October
New Barnsley boss Valerien Ismael got off to the perfect start in midweek, guiding the Tykes to their first EFL Championship win of the season. However, this Saturday, one of the Championship title favourites Watford make the trip to Oakwell. Vladimir Ivic’s Hornets will fancy their chances in this one. Check out our betting preview.
Table of Contents
Barnsley Preview – Can Ismael make it two wins on the bounce?
Barnsley made a poor start to this season, failing to win any of their opening seven Championship fixtures. The Tykes started with four draws and three defeats. After Gerhard Struber left for America, the very capable Adam Murray took over first-team duties once again.
Valerien Ismael, who was previously in charge of LASK, arrived at Oakwell last week. The 45-year-old Frenchman made an instant impact, overseeing Barnsley’s first league win of the season on Tuesday. The Yorkshiremen were far too strong for Mark Warburton’s Queens Park Rangers, with an own goal, a Cauley Woodrow penalty and a Conor Chaplin strike giving them a deserved 3-0 win.
Barnsley survived by the skin of their teeth last season, and they look set to be involved in another relegation scrap this term. Still, can the Tykes build on Tuesday’s stunning victory over QPR with another three points on home turf this weekend?
Watford Preview – Ivic’s men to get back to winning ways after back-to-back draws
Without setting the world alight, Watford have gone about their business quietly but efficiently so far. New boss Vladimir Ivic has settled in nicely at Vicarage Road, with the Hornets taking a respectable 15 points so far. Watford are joint third with Millwall and Swansea City after eight games.
The Hertfordshire club have suffered just one league defeat, losing at league leaders Reading on matchday four. They have picked up four wins, seeing off Middlesbrough, Luton Town, Derby County and Blackburn Rovers.
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However, having drawn 1-1 with both Bournemouth and Wycombe Wanderers in their last two, Watford will want to return to winning ways on Saturday. As you would expect, Ivic’s men are the favourites, with the bookies offering you just 6/5 for an away win.
Barnsley vs Watford Betting Advice
Watford have spent several years in the Premier League since the teams last met, while Barnsley have dropped down to the third tier. Over six years have passed since the last game between the two, which Watford won 3-0 at Vicarage Road. The reverse match at Oakwell the same season ended in a 5-1 win for the Hornets.
Key Facts – Barnsley vs Watford Betting Tip
- Watford have won four of the past five meetings, scoring 14 times along the way
- The Tykes have beaten Watford just once in the last decade
- The Hornets have lost only one Championship game so far this season
Barnsley will certainly be in high spirits after the midweek win, but we fancy in-form Watford to return to Hertfordshire with all three points on Saturday. There is good value in Unibet’s 19/5 for the away team to win -1.
Brazilian teenager Joao Pedro has already scored three Championship goals so far this season. Put a few quid on Pedro to notch first in this one at 9/2.
The best betting odds for Barnsley vs Watford
Barnsley to win: 9/4 at Bet365
Draw: 9/4 at Bet365
Watford to win: 6/5 at Bet365
