Swansea City vs Watford
English Premier League.
Date: Saturday, 22nd October, 2016,
Kick-off at 15:00 UK
Venue: Liberty Stadium (Swansea).
Swansea’s change of managers almost paid off last weekend as Bob Bradley took charge of his first Premier League game away to Arsenal. The visiting Swans looked outclassed from the start and Arsenal quickly put together a two goal lead. But Swansea didn’t lie down, as Gylfi Sigurdsson pulled one back before half-time. Mesut Ozil restored the hosts’ two goal lead, but a 66th minute Borja Baston goal made for an edgy final 25 minutes.
They did end up losing the game, and it was a deserved defeat too. This made it five losses on the bounce for Swansea and seven games without a victory. Bob Bradley has a lot of work to do if he’s to fend off relegation this season.
Swansea’s only league victory this season came away to Burnley on the opening day of the season, and at the Liberty Stadium they have lost four and drawn one of their matches in all competitions. They have managed to average a goal per game so far this season though, mainly thanks to Gylfi Sigurdsson and Leroyr Fer. The two have six league goals between them, with half of those coming at home. Considering they have scored in all but one of their home league matches this season I think odds of 10/3 for Leroy Fer to Score Anytime is an excellent choice.
Watford have done excellently going forward away from home though, which won’t come as good news for Swansea fans considering their team have conceded at least two goals in every home match this season. Watford have averaged 1.5 goals per game away from home, and these have come from some unexpected players. Defender Jose Holebas has two away goals to his name and Etienne Capoue has scored two of his four goals on the road as well.
Holebas’ double is likely to be an anomaly to be honest, but Capoue has been excellent this season. His two away goals have been joined by an assist as well, and he comes in at a juicy price of 3/1 to score anytime. If you do fancy a higher risk flutter Holebas comes in at a huge 10/1, and he scored the winner last weekend as well.
Watford’s 1-0 win over Middlesbrough last weekend made it three wins, one draw, and one defeat in their last five games, banishing that slow start to the season to the past. Away from home they have won two and drawn one of their four Premier League games, so they have a real chance of getting a result in South Wales.
Swansea have conceded at least two goals in every home match this season and Watford netted four against West Ham. The visitors have scored at least two in three of their last five outings as well, so backing Watford Over 1.5 Team Goals at 13/8 looks very good value. I’m backing that alongside a 2-1 win for the visitors at 11/1.
Swansea City vs Watford: Head-to-Head Statistics
Both teams have played a total of 11 games against each other in the past.
Swansea City have won 5 games against Watford, drawn 2 and lost 5 to Watford.
At Liberty Stadium, Swansea and Watford have shared the games results evenly, they have both won 2 games each and drawn 2.
Swansea have dominated their last 6 games against Watford, with 3 wins, 2 draws and a defeat to Watford.
Swansea City vs Watford: Prediction
Swansea’s current form shows nothing to take home, they are in a very bad form and will find it difficult to contain a well-balanced Watford.
Watford will see this as an opportunity to go further up the table, though they are playing away from home. Watford are expected to get a win in this game, with the two teams registering goals on the score board.
Swansea City vs Watford: Tips
Watford to win at 3.40 (12/5)
Both teams to score at 2.15 (8/7).
