Watford vs Stoke City: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

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

• Fixture: Watford vs Stoke City
• Date: Saturday, 20 December 2025
• Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
• Venue: Vicarage Road

Watford's recent form suggests they're in a bit of a rollercoaster, with draws and a win mixed in their last five games. They've shown they can score, but also that they can be vulnerable at the back. With a predicted 4-4-2 lineup, they'll likely look to exploit their attacking options, particularly through Doumbia and Kjerrumgaard, while trying to shore up their defence against Stoke's threats.

Stoke City, on the other hand, have had a mixed bag too, with two wins but also three losses in their recent outings. Their predicted 4-2-3-1 formation indicates a focus on midfield control and quick transitions to support Bozenik up top. This match could be tight, with both teams looking to capitalise on their strengths while addressing their weaknesses.

Watford's recent form has been a bit of a mixed bag, with two draws, a win, a loss, and another draw in their last five games. They've shown they can score, as seen in their 3-2 win against Norwich and the 2-2 draw against Wrexham, but they've also struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding in all but one of these matches. This inconsistency might affect their confidence going into this game, but their ability to find the net could give them a fighting chance.

Recent Championship Results:

• 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)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Preston (H)

Stoke City have had a turbulent run lately, with two wins and three losses in their last five games. Their victories against Swansea and Charlton show they can be clinical when on form, but heavy defeats like the 0-4 loss to Sheffield Utd highlight their defensive frailties. This up-and-down form might make them unpredictable, but they'll be looking to build on their recent win against Swansea to gain some momentum.

Recent Championship Results:

• Win: 2-1 vs Swansea (H)
• Loss: 0-1 vs Ipswich (A)
• Loss: 0-4 vs Sheffield Utd (A)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Hull City (H)
• Win: 3-0 vs Charlton (H)

The head-to-head record between Watford and Stoke City shows a competitive history, with Watford winning two of the last five encounters, Stoke claiming one win and the other game ending in a draw. Their most recent meeting ended in a 0-0 draw, suggesting a closely fought battle.

Watford's home advantage was evident in their 3-0 victory earlier in the season, but Stoke City managed a 1-0 win in their last home game against Watford. This pattern indicates that both teams can be unpredictable, making for an exciting contest.

Recent Championship Results

• Stoke City 0-0 Watford (01 Mar 2025)

• Watford 3-0 Stoke City (17 Aug 2024)

• Watford 1-1 Stoke City (29 Dec 2023)

• Stoke City 1-0 Watford (19 Aug 2023)

• Watford 2-0 Stoke City (08 May 2023)

• Kwadwo Baah (Hamstring) – Out

• Rocco Vata (Hamstring) – Out

• Pierre Dwomoh (Thigh) - Out

• Caleb Wiley (Muscle) – Out

• Jack Grieves (Knee) - Out

• Jeremy Ngakia (Illness) - Doubt

• Junior Tchamadeu (Suspended) - Out

• Lewis Baker (Ankle) – Doubt

• Predicted lineup: Selvik (GK), Abankwah (DF), Pollock (DF), Alleyne (DF), Bola (DF), Maamma (MF), Louza (MF), Kyprianou (MF), Kayembe (MF), Doumbia (AT), Kjerrumgaard (AT)

Watford's predicted 4-4-2 formation suggests they'll aim to balance attack and defence, with Abankwah and Bola providing width and support to the central defenders Pollock and Alleyne. Up front, Doumbia and Kjerrumgaard will be key in leading the line and looking to exploit any gaps in Stoke's defence.

• Predicted lineup: Johansson (GK), Lawal (DF), Phillips (DF), Wilmot (DF), Bocat (DF), Seko (MF), Pearson (MF), Manhoef (MF), Bae (MF), Thomas (MF), Bozenik (AT)

Stoke City's predicted 4-2-3-1 formation emphasises midfield control, with Seko and Pearson anchoring the midfield and allowing Manhoef, Bae, and Thomas to push forward and support Bozenik. This setup should help them maintain possession and create scoring opportunities while relying on Lawal, Phillips, Wilmot, and Bocat to keep things tight at the back.

• Kjerrumgaard vs Wilmot: Kjerrumgaard's pace and movement will test Wilmot's defensive skills.

• Kayembe vs Manhoef: Kayembe's midfield presence will be crucial in containing Manhoef's creativity.

• Doumbia (Watford): Doumbia's goal-scoring ability will be vital for Watford's chances of winning.

• Bozenik (Stoke City): Bozenik's finishing could be the difference-maker for Stoke City in this match.

Watford vs Stoke City at 15:00 GMT on Saturday, 20 December 2025, isn't being broadcast live for viewers in the UK.

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

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