When Watford thrashed Stoke City in Slaven Bilic’s opening game in charge, there was every expectation that the Hornets would kick on and become mainstays in the promotion hunt.
However, they have instead followed the four-goal demolition of the Potters by losing three of their next four games, the latest defeating coming by a 3-0 scoreline at Millwall.
Bilic has now suffered more defeats in five matches than Rob Edwards posted in double the amount of games, and the backlash will continue if Watford fail to collect maximum points at the weekend.
Although the 2-1 triumph over Norwich City was a significant plus point, Watford have now conceded nine times in four games, while they sit four points adrift of the playoffs.
While two or three wins in succession will change the mood at Vicarage Road, Bilic cannot afford to enter the month-long break for the World Cup having not improved the team’s fortunes.
Having suffered a hangover from their near-miss with promotion last season, Luton fans may have been prepared to accept that a consolidation campaign was the best that they could hope for during 2022-23.
However, Luton have been terrific over the past 11 matches, collecting 22 points and suffering just one defeat, that loss coming at home to Wigan Athletic who scored twice in the final 10 minutes.
than Jones can point to that setback being a minor blip with Luton unbeaten in seven games since that defeat, while the Hatters are also on a two-match winning streak against two of the favourites for promotion.
After inflicting a surprise win over high-flying Queens Park Rangers, Luton made the long trip to Norwich in midweek and claimed a 1-0 victory at Carrow Road.
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Jones’s side now sit in fifth position in the table, possibly a win or two away from moving into the automatic promotion places.
Craig Cathcart is expected to return to the Watford defence after injury, likely taking the spot of Matthew Pollock.Mario Gaspar could return at right-back, while Edo Kayembe is in line to replace the injured Imran Louza in central midfield.
Joao Pedro is also pushing for an opportunity ahead of Keinan Davis in attack.Barring any fitness issues, Jones may be prepared to stick with the side which beat Norwich, the Welshman having described that performance as the team’s best of the season.
