Sheffield United haven’t won in their last five Championship home games
Watford have drawn two of their last three away fixtures
Recommended bet: Draw
Watford showed their ruthless streak with the reappointment of their former manager, Javi Gracia, and they will be hoping for an instant improvement when taking on basement boys Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
Gracia’s first spell at Vicarage Road lasted for almost 20 months and he remains a popular figure after steering the Hertfordshire side to an FA Cup final and 11th-place in the Premier League.
The 55-year-old hopes to start his new spell with a win but he is sure to expect a tough test from Sheffield United, who are desperate to improve after their miserable start to the season.
The Blades are less than five weeks into their third spell under club legend Chris Wilder, but are short of confidence after losses at home to Southampton (1-2) and away to Hull (0-1) before the international break.
Team news
Tahith Chong (knee) faces another month on the sidelines and Ben Godfrey (personal reasons) has missed the last three matches. Ollie Arblaster (knee) is still working his way back from a long-term absence.
Watford must assess a raft of players returning from international duty including influential Australian attacker Nestory Irankunda. Othmane Maama continues to feature for Morocco at the Under-20 World Cup and Jack Grieves (leg) remains on the sidelines.
Giorgi Chakvetadze (foot) is back on the grass but will probably have to wait a little longer to make his first appearance of the campaign.
The latest Sheffield United vs Watford odds are available on LiveScore Bet
The stats
Sheffield United have lost ten of their last 11 fixtures.
The Blades have failed to score in six of their last eight games.
Sheffield United have sustained five 1-0 losses since the start of the season.
Eight of Sheffield United’s last 11 league games have featured fewer than three goals.
Watford have lost just two of their last eight matches.
The Hornets have gone 15 games without keeping a clean sheet.
Prediction
Sheffield United and Watford have turned to familiar faces in an effort to re-energise their campaigns, but both may have to be content with a share of the spoils in south Yorkshire.
The Blades narrowly missed out on promotion last season, but they have looked a shadow of their former selves and may have to grind their way out of trouble.
Wilder has been getting some of his senior players back, including midfielder Tom Davies, who has added much needed experience and leadership to a young group.
But the Blades are unlikely to get an easy ride from a talented Watford side eager to impress their new man in the dugout.
Watford feel that they have the players to compete for promotion, but they are yet to win on their travels and might have to accept a point against a highly motivated opponent.
Back the draw at 41/20 with LiveScore Bet
The latest Sheffield United vs Watford odds are available on LiveScore Bet
