Watford have taken four points from their last two league games
The Hornets have won their last three home meetings with Oxford
Recommended Bet: Watford to win
Watford and Oxford meet at Vicarage Road on Saturday with both sides aiming to climb away from the lower reaches of the Championship table.
Paulo Pezzolano’s Hornets have shown signs of life after a rocky start to the season, collecting a comeback win over Hull and a battling draw at Portsmouth in the past week.
But the away fans were not impressed with his decision to substitute Nestory Irankunda on Wednesday and the Uruguayan may still be on thin ice.
Oxford also picked up a midweek point at QPR to remain in 21st place, three points below Watford.
The U’s only league win of the season came away at Bristol City last month and Gary Rowett’s men appear to be more effective on the road.
The latest Watford vs Oxford odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Watford striker Irankunda reacted angrily to being substituted in the first half of Wednesday’s 2-2 draw at Portsmouth and may find himself on the bench this weekend.
His replacement, Rocco Vata, impressed with a goal and an assist and could start alongside Vivaldo Semedo.
Half-time substitutes Jeremy Ngakia and Nampalys Mendy pushed their claims to start with solid displays at Fratton Park, while Moussa Sissoko seems set to retain his place as the midfield anchor.
Forward Kwadwo Baah made a quicker-than-expected return from a shoulder injury on Wednesday and could be back on the bench, but Giorgi Chakvetadze and Jack Grieves remain out of action.
As for Oxford, Filip Krastev is a major doubt after limping off at Loftus Road, with Siriki Dembele on standby to fill in.
Ole Romeny (foot), Matt Phillips (thigh) and Ciaron Brown (knee) remain sidelined, while Luke Harris and Stanley Mills could be handed more minutes off the bench.
The latest Watford vs Oxford odds are available on LiveScore Bet
The stats
Watford have registered the fifth-most shots in the Championship this season (75) but only seven clubs have scored fewer goals.
Only three teams in the division have recorded a lower percentage of shots on target than Oxford (22.9%).
U’s striker Will Lankshear has been caught offside the most times in the Championship (14).
Oxford have collected the fewest yellow cards in the division this season (7).
The latest Watford vs Oxford odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Watford’s youthful energy and recent uptick in form make them favourites to see off an Oxford side short on confidence and goals.
The Hornets have tightened up defensively and are beginning to share the goals around, with Imran Louza particularly influential in midfield on Wednesday.
Oxford’s inability to convert chances and their injury woes suggest they may struggle to break down a Hornets side growing in belief.
With Vicarage Road proving a happy hunting ground in past meetings, Watford should perform well enough to claim another valuable three points.
Back Watford to win at 9/10 with LiveScore Bet
The latest Watford vs Oxford odds are available on LiveScore Bet
