Eng. Championship
2025-11-01 - Watford vs Middlesbrough
A Sports Betting Pick by ArmchairPunter
Football : England: Championship
Venue: Vicarage Road
Saturday 1st November 2025, 1500hrs (GMT)
Watford return to Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon looking to respond from last weekend’s defeat and move back into the top half of the Championship table. The Hornets have endured an inconsistent campaign so far and will be hoping that the return of Javi Gracia to the dugout can spark greater stability and results.
After replacing Paulo Pezzolano shortly before the October international break, Gracia’s second spell at the club has so far produced mixed outcomes. A 2-1 home win over West Bromwich Albion was a welcome lift, but that success was sandwiched between losses to Sheffield United and league leaders Coventry City.
The latter result — a 3-1 reverse after trailing by three at half-time — highlighted Watford’s defensive frailties but also their ability to rally, with Imran Louza grabbing a consolation. Now 14th in the table but only a point outside the top half, the Hornets will be determined to build on their last home victory and begin climbing toward the play-off spots.
Middlesbrough arrive in Hertfordshire as one of the Championship’s form sides. Rob Edwards has overseen an impressive start to life at the Riverside following his summer switch from Luton Town, with Boro sitting second in the standings on 25 points from 12 games.
The Teessiders’ only league defeat so far came before the international break, and they’ve responded positively since — defeating Ipswich Town 2-1 and Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 before drawing 1-1 with Wrexham last weekend.
Strong defensively and efficient going forward, Middlesbrough have developed a consistency that has kept them firmly in the automatic promotion conversation. They’ll travel south aiming to extend their unbeaten run to four games and maintain pressure on leaders Coventry City.
The Betting Verdict
Watford have lost just once in their six home games to date, picking up four wins and a draw in the process, so The Hornets look capable of at least avoiding defeat here.
The Pick :
Watford 2-2 Middlesbrough
