Birmingham vs Watford predictions: Cleverley's Hornets can stop the rot

- Watford have won five of their last six matches against Birmingham
- Birmingham have lost four of their last five fixtures
- Recommended bet: Watford to win

Championship survival will be on the minds of Birmingham and Watford when they lock horns in a key contest at St Andrew’s on Saturday afternoon.

Birmingham remained a point above the relegation zone after Tuesday’s 1-0 loss at home to Middlesbrough which extended their winless sequence to five games.

The Blues have struggled without their manager Tony Mowbray, who has been forced to temporarily step away from the dugout as he continues to recover from an operation.

Watford also have a new man in the hot seat after parting company with Valerien Ismael and appointing Tom Cleverley as interim manager.

The Hornets decided to act after last Saturday’s 2-1 loss at home to Coventry, which left them in 14th place in the table and closer to the drop zone than the relegation places.

Team news

Birmingham utility man Krystian Bielik (groin) continues to miss out and midfielder Alfie Chang (knee) is a long-term absentee.

Centre-back Dion Sanderson is available after completing a three-game suspension.

Watford right back Jeremy Ngakia (knee) and winger Ken Sema (hamstring) are ruled out and midfielder Giorgi Chakvetadze (ankle) is a doubt after having to come off at half-time in last Saturday’s 2-1 loss at home to Coventry.

Daniel Bachmann has been handed the gloves for the last two games and will be hoping to keep his place at the expense of Ben Hamer.

The stats

Birmingham have lost four of their last five matches, while the Blues have kept just one clean sheet in their last 15 fixtures.

Three of Birmingham’s last six defeats have been by a 1-0 scoreline.

Watford have won just one of their last 12 fixtures and all of their last five Championship wins have come on their travels.

The Hornets have won five of their last six games against Birmingham.

Prediction

Watford are hoping for an immediate upturn in fortunes under interim boss Cleverley and they can secure a much-needed three points against fellow strugglers Birmingham.

The Hornets had hoped to be pushing for promotion, but find themselves just seven points above the bottom three.

However, they were unlucky to lose 2-1 at home to Coventry last Saturday and should have a better chance of beating Birmingham, who are going through a difficult time.

The Blues were devoid of ideas and creativity for large parts of Tuesday’s 1-0 loss at home to Middlesbrough and their struggles should offer encouragement to Watford, who have got the best away record – six wins, six draws and six defeats – in the bottom half.

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