Watford vs Blackburn Rovers: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Watford tipped to win 2-1 at home to Blackburn Rovers
Recent results in this fixture suggest it could go either way, with two wins apiece in the last four meetings
Nestory Irankunda has impressed in recent weeks, and will be key for Watford again here
Explore Ladbrokes’ detailed preview for Watford vs Blackburn Rovers in the Championship. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 15:00 BST match.
Match Details
Fixture: Watford vs Blackburn Rovers
Date: Saturday, 13 September 2025
Kick-off: 15:00 BST
Venue: Vicarage Road
Our predictions for Watford vs Blackburn Rovers
Match Prediction: Watford 2-1 Blackburn Rovers
Watford's recent form shows they're tough to beat, drawing their last two games and winning one of their last four matches. They've been solid at home, scoring in both of their home matches in the Championship this season.
Blackburn, on the other hand, have struggled lately, losing three of their last four. They'll need to be more clinical in front of goal if they want to nick something at Vicarage Road.
The game could be tight, with Watford likely to control possession and Blackburn looking to hit on the counter. Watford's home advantage and recent performances suggest they'll have the edge, but Blackburn's away win against Hull shows they can be a dangerous opponent. Expect a close contest with Watford just edging it.
Form Guide & Team Overview
Watford
Watford have been in decent form, drawing their last two games and losing just one of their previous four. They've been particularly strong at home, scoring four goals in their last two league matches at Vicarage Road. This should give them confidence going into this game against a Blackburn side that's been struggling on the road.
Their ability to score goals at home could be crucial. Watford can field a strong side and should be able to maintain their recent form, making them a good bet to win this match.
Recent Championship Results:
Draw: 2-2 vs Southampton (H)
Draw: 1-1 vs Swansea City (A)
Win: 2-1 vs Queens Park Rangers (H)
Loss: 0-1 vs Charlton Athletic (A)
Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn have had a tough run lately, losing three of their last four league games. Their only win in that period came away at Hull, which shows they can be dangerous on the counter. However, their recent home losses suggest they'll need to be at their best to get anything from this game.
Their recent form makes them the underdogs, but they could still cause Watford problems if they play to their potential.
Recent Championship Results:
Loss: 0-2 vs Norwich City (H)
Win: 3-0 vs Hull City (A)
Loss: 1-2 vs Birmingham City (H)
Loss: 0-1 vs West Bromwich Albion (A)
Head-to-Head Record
The head-to-head record between Watford and Blackburn is closely contested, with each team winning two of the last five meetings and one draw. Watford have won two of the last three meetings, which gives them a slight edge going into this match.
Recent Championship Results
Blackburn Rovers 2-1 Watford (26 Apr 2025)
Watford 1-0 Blackburn Rovers (26 Oct 2024)
Blackburn Rovers 1-2 Watford (23 Dec 2023)
Watford 0-1 Blackburn Rovers (27 Aug 2023)
Watford 1-1 Blackburn Rovers (11 Feb 2023)
Team News & Injury Report
Watford
Imran Louza (Suspended) - Out
Caleb Wiley (Back) - Doubt
Pierre Dwomoh (Thigh) - Doubt
Giorgi Chakvetadze (Foot) - Doubt
Blackburn Rovers
Sean McLoughlin (Suspended) - Out
Adam Forshaw (Muscle) - Doubt
Lineups & Tactical Setup
Prediction - Watford (3-5-2)
Selvik, Alleyne, Keben, Abankwah, Ngakia, Sissoko, Kyprianou, Kayembe, Bola, Kjerrumgaard, Irankunda
Watford's predicted lineup suggests they'll continue to rely on their solid defence and the attacking threat of Irankunda up front. Their recent form indicates they'll control the game and look to exploit Blackburn's weaknesses.
New signings Jérémy Pétris, a French right-back, and centre-back Formose Mendy from Senegal could make appearances to help bolster Watford's defence.
Prediction - Blackburn Rovers (4-2-3-1)
Tóth, Alebiosu, Wharton, Miller, Ribeiro, Tavares, Tronstad, Kargbo, Cantwell, Hedges, Ohashi
Blackburn's predicted lineup shows they'll need to be organised at the back, while relying on the creativity of Cantwell and the pace of Ohashi to threaten Watford. Their recent struggles suggest they'll need to be more clinical in front of goal.
Blackburn signed Taylor Gardner-Hickman on loan from Birmingham City on transfer deadline day, and he may appear for his new club in this match.
Key Battles & Players to Watch
Kévin Keben vs Nestory Irankunda: Keben's defensive solidity will be crucial against the exciting young Australian forward.
Todd Cantwell vs Moussa Sissoko: Cantwell's creativity will be tested by Sissoko's midfield presence.
Edo Kayembe (Watford): Kayembe's energy in midfield could be key to Watford's control of the game.
Yuki Ohashi (Blackburn Rovers): Ohashi's pace and finishing could pose a threat to Watford's defence.
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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.