Tranmere Rovers vs Watford
23rd January 1945hrs
Football – England – Emirates FA Cup
Pick Away HT/FT
Bookmaker Bet365
Odds: 13/8 odds taken 1355 GMT, Wednesday 22 January
The third round Emirates FA Cup replay between Tranmere Rovers and Watford will finally take place this Thursday night. The winners of this one will play Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United in round four. Premier League Watford were shocked by EFL League One Tranmere at Vicarage Road, but the Hornets will be looking for a comfortable win at Prenton Park.
Table of Contents
Tranmere Rovers Preview – Can Mellon’s men cause Watford more problems in this cup tie?
Micky Mellon’s Tranmere Rovers have had a tough season in League One following promotion via the play-off route in EFL League Two last term. Rovers are in the relegation zone in the third tier at the moment, taking a mere 22 points from 25 games.
Before battling back from three goals down to draw 3-3 at Vicarage Road and force a replay, Tranmere had beaten Wycombe Wanderers and Chichester City in the earlier rounds. Rovers needed a replay to see off fellow League One side Wycombe, though they thumped Chichester 5-1 at Prenton Park, with a Morgan Ferrier hat-trick and a Corey Taylor brace doing the business.
Home form was key to their success last season, but Tranmere have really struggled at Prenton Park this term. Since a 1-1 league draw with Blackpool in late December, the Super White Army have lost each of their last three league and cup affairs on home turf. In spite of their poor form, can Mellon’s men cause a huge upset in the FA Cup in midweek?
Watford Preview – Will the Premier League outfit be too strong for their League One opponents?
Nigel Pearson has done a cracking job at Watford since his somewhat surprising arrival back in December. However, the Hornets let a lead slip to lose 2-1 to Aston Villa at Villa Park on Tuesday, which was only their second loss under Pearson.
Premier League survival will be the Herefordshire club’s ultimate ambition this season. At the time of writing, Watford are in the bottom three of the top-flight table, sitting on 23 points from 24 matches. Next up for the Hornets in the Premier League is a home game against Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton on February 1st.
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Even though Watford are well and truly embroiled in a relegation scrap, the Hornets will be eager for a run in the FA Cup this term. The club have fond memories of this competition, reaching the final last season. In truth, Pearson’s boys should be too strong for Tranmere on Thursday night.
Tranmere Rovers vs Watford Betting Advice
Watford raced into a 3-0 lead at half time when the pair squared off at Vicarage Road at the beginning of the year. However, Tranmere pulled off one of the most unlikeliest of upsets to leave with a 3-3 draw and a much-deserved replay – goals from Connor Jennings, Emmanuel Monthe and Paul Mullin did the job.
Key Facts – Tranmere Rovers vs Watford Betting Tip
- Tranmere have lost each of their previous three league and cup fixtures at Prenton Park
- Watford have won four of nine under new boss Pearson
- The Hornets have won only two away matches this season
Watford will be desperate to avoid a cup upset on Thursday, and the Hornets should do a professional job on Merseyside. Tranmere have bigger fish to fry in terms of League One survival, and Watford’s qualities will surely shine through in the end.
I can see a comfortable win for the away team, so take a punt on Watford to be winning at half time and full time, which is nicely priced at 13/8 with bet365. Also, 22bet’s 13/20 for the Hornets to open the scoring is worth having a look at.
The best betting odds for Tranmere Rovers vs Watford
Tranmere Rovers to win: 15/4 at Bet365
Draw: 14/5 at Bet365
Watford to win: 8/11 at Bet365
