Watford vs Oxford United: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

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

• Fixture: Watford vs Oxford United

• Date: Saturday, 04 October 2025

• Kick-off: 15:00 BST

• Venue: Vicarage Road

Match Prediction: Watford 2-1 Oxford United

Watford's recent form has been a rollercoaster, but they've shown they can nick a win at home. They'll be looking to exploit their attacking flair against Oxford's solid but sometimes leaky defence. 

With players like Irankunda and Wiley in the mix, Watford could create plenty of chances. It'll be a tough one, but they've got the firepower to edge it.

Oxford United have been drawing a lot lately, showing they can hold their own against tough opposition. They'll need to be more clinical in front of goal if they want to take something from this game. 

Their midfield could control the tempo, but they'll need to be wary of Watford's quick breaks. It's going to be a close one, but Oxford might just fall short.

Watford's recent results have been mixed, with two draws, a win, and two losses in their last five league games. They've shown they can score goals, but their defence has been shaky at times. 

At home, they managed to beat Hull City, which should give them confidence. If they can tighten up at the back, they've got a good chance of getting the win here.

• Draw: 2-2 vs Portsmouth (A)

• Win: 2-1 vs Hull City (H)

• Loss: 0-1 vs Millwall (A)

• Loss: 0-1 vs Blackburn Rovers (H)

• Draw: 2-2 vs Southampton (H)

Oxford United have been drawing a lot recently, with three draws in their last five Championship games. They've shown they can compete with top teams, but they've struggled to turn those draws into wins. 

Their defence has been solid, but they need to be more ruthless in attack. If they can find that cutting edge, they could cause Watford some problems.

• Draw: 0-0 vs Queens Park Rangers (A)

• Loss: 0-1 vs Sheffield United (H)

• Win: 3-1 vs Bristol City (A)

• Draw: 2-2 vs Leicester City (H)

• Draw: 2-2 vs Coventry City (H)

The head-to-head record between these two teams is evenly split, with each side winning one of their last two encounters. Oxford United won the most recent match 1-0 back in March, while Watford took the victory in November with a 1-0 scoreline. It's all to play for in this fixture, and it could go either way based on their recent meetings.

• Oxford United 1-0 Watford (15 Mar 2025)

• Watford 1-0 Oxford United (08 Nov 2024)

• Jack Grieves (Knee) - Out

• Giorgi Chakvetadze (Foot) - Doubt

• Pierre Dwomoh (Thigh) - Doubt

• Ole Romeny (Foot) - Doubt

• Matthew Phillips (Knock) - Doubt

• Ciaron Brown (Leg) - Doubt

• Predicted lineup: Baxter, Pollock, Alleyne, Abankwah, Pétris, Kyprianou, Sissoko, Wiley, Louza, Irankunda, Semedo

With Kyprianou and Sissoko in midfield, Watford will look to control the game and feed the ball to their dangerous forwards. Irankunda and Wiley could be key in breaking down Oxford's defence.

• Predicted lineup: Cumming, Spencer, Helik, Long, Currie, Placheta, De Keersmaecker, Brannagan, Krastev, Prelec, Lankshear

Oxford's midfield, led by Brannagan and Keersmaecker, will aim to dictate the pace and create chances for Lankshear and Prelec up front. Their defence, anchored by Helik, will need to be on top form to keep Watford's attackers at bay.

• Irankunda vs Helik: This will be a crucial battle between Watford's lively forward and Oxford's experienced defender.

• Wiley vs Currie: A duel to watch, with Wiley's creativity up against Currie's tenacity.

• Louza (Watford): A key player for the Hornets, Louza's passing and control could be vital for Watford's success.

• Krastev (Oxford United): Oxford will rely on Krastev's goal-scoring threat to make an impact from out wide.

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