Leicester vs Watford: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Ladbrokes' detailed preview for Leicester vs Watford in the Championship. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 15:00 GMT match.

• Fixture: Leicester vs Watford
• Date: Friday, 26 December 2025
• Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
• Venue: King Power Stadium

Leicester will be looking to bounce back after a heavy defeat against QPR, and their home form suggests they could do just that. With a strong lineup and players like Jordan Ayew and Bobby Decordova-Reid in good form, they have the firepower to trouble Watford's defence. However, Watford have been solid on the road, drawing their last two away games, and they'll be confident they can get something from this match.

Watford's recent results show they can compete with anyone, and their predicted 4-4-2 formation could cause problems for Leicester. Giorgi Chakvetadze and Luca Kjerrumgaard up top will look to exploit any weaknesses in the Leicester backline. It should be a closely contested match, but Leicester's home advantage might just see them edge it.

Leicester have had a mixed bag of results recently, with two wins, a draw, and two losses in their last five games. Their home form has been particularly strong, with a convincing 3-1 win over Ipswich and a solid 2-3 loss to Sheffield United. However, the heavy 1-4 defeat to QPR on the road will be a concern, and they'll need to bounce back quickly to maintain their momentum.

Recent Championship Results:

• Loss: 1-4 vs QPR (A)
• Win: 3-1 vs Ipswich (H)
• Draw: 2-2 vs Bristol City (A)
• Win: 3-1 vs Derby (A)
• Loss: 2-3 vs Sheffield Utd (H)

Watford have been in decent form, with two wins and two draws in their last five games. Their home form has been impressive, with a 1-0 win over Stoke City and a 3-2 victory against Norwich. On the road, they've drawn their last two games, showing they can compete away from home. This consistency will give them confidence heading into this match against Leicester.

Recent Championship Results:

• Win: 1-0 vs Stoke City (H)
• Draw: 2-2 vs Wrexham (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Sheffield Wednesday (H)
• Win: 3-2 vs Norwich (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Birmingham (A)

Leicester have had the upper hand in recent meetings with Watford, winning the last five encounters. The most recent match saw Leicester come out on top with a 2-1 victory away from home. Watford's only win in this period was a narrow 1-0 victory, suggesting Leicester have been the dominant force in this fixture.

Recent Results

• Watford 1-2 Leicester (10 Feb 2024)

• Leicester 2-0 Watford (25 Nov 2023)

• Watford 1-5 Leicester (15 May 2022) - Premier League

• Leicester 4-1 Watford (08 Jan 2022) - FA Cup

• Leicester 4-2 Watford (28 Nov 2021) - Premier League

• Boubakary Soumaré (Knee) – Out

• Caleb Okoli (Knee) – Out

• Victor Kristiansen (Knee) – Out

• Harry Souttar (Achilles) - Out

• Patson Daka (International duty) - Out

• Kwadwo Baah (Hamstring) – Out

• Rocco Vata (Hamstring) – Out

• Pierre Dwomoh (Thigh) - Out

• Caleb Wiley (Muscle) – Out

• Jack Grieves (Knee) - Out

• Edo Kayembe (International duty) - Out

• Mamadou Doumbia (International duty) - Out

• Predicted lineup: Stolarczyk (GK), Pereira (DF), Nelson (DF), Vestergaard (DF), Thomas (DF), James (MF), Skipp (MF), Issahaku (MF), Decordova-Reid (MF), Mavididi (MF), Ayew (AT)

Leicester are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Jordan Ayew leading the line and supported by the creative talents of Bobby Decordova-Reid and Stephy Mavididi. This setup should allow them to control the midfield and create plenty of scoring opportunities.

• Predicted lineup: Selvik (GK), Ngakia (DF), Pollock (DF), Alleyne (DF), Bola (DF), Ince (MF), Kyprianou (MF), Louza (MF), Maamma (MF), Chakvetadze (AT), Kjerrumgaard (AT)

Watford will likely stick with their 4-4-2 formation, with Giorgi Chakvetadze and Luca Kjerrumgaard up top looking to stretch the Leicester defence. The midfield quartet of Thomas Ince, Hector Kyprianou, Imrân Louza, and Othmane Maamma should provide a solid base to launch attacks from.

• Ayew vs Pollock: Jordan Ayew's pace and movement will test Matthew Pollock's defensive skills.

• Skipp vs Kyprianou: Oliver Skipp's control in midfield will be crucial against Hector Kyprianou's energy and tenacity.

• Decordova-Reid (Leicester): Bobby Decordova-Reid's creativity and goal threat make him a key player for Leicester.

• Chakvetadze (Watford): Giorgi Chakvetadze's flair and ability to unlock defences will be vital for Watford.

Leicester vs Watford at 15:00 GMT on Friday, 26 December 2025, will be broadcast live for viewers in the UK on Sky Sports+.

Ladbrokes is predicting that the score will be Leicester 2-1 Watford.

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