Watford vs. Burnley Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 18 April 2025

Get ready for an intriguing Championship clash at Vicarage Road as 11th-placed Watford host 2nd-placed Burnley on April 18, 2025, at 15:00. Both teams are fighting for their own goals in the final stretch of the season, making this a crucial encounter.

For Watford, sitting on 56 points, it’s about edging closer to a play-off spot. Despite a recent mixed bag of results (LWWLL), their home form remains respectable, scoring in 81% of their matches at Vicarage Road.

Burnley, on the other hand, are eyeing automatic promotion and come into this match as the bookmaker favorites with odds of 1.78 for an away win. The Clarets have been in exceptional form, unbeaten in their last 29 Championship games. With a solid defense and just 13 goals conceded, Burnley also boast clean sheets in three of their last five games.

The recommended bet is an away win for Burnley, considering their current momentum and superior recent head-to-head record against Watford. Both teams will be missing some key players due to injuries, but Burnley’s depth could tip the balance in their favor. Expect a tense and tactical game as both sides push for vital points.

Watford vs Burnley Prediction & Betting Tip

Our recommended bet for this Championship clash is an Away Win for Burnley.
Given Burnley’s formidable recent form and defensive solidity, this prediction stands strong.

Watford vs Burnley Prediction
Betting Tip	Odds
Away Win for Burnley	1.78

• Burnley have been on a roll, unbeaten in their last 29 Championship games and winning four of the last five.
• Their defense has been exceptional, conceding just 13 goals and keeping 29 clean sheets this season.
• With automatic promotion in sight, Burnley are highly motivated to secure the win, especially with their depth and current momentum.

Expect a well-fought game with Burnley having the edge over Watford in this encounter.

Watford vs Burnley Odds

Exploring the current betting odds for this Championship matchup between Watford and Burnley:

Watford vs Burnley Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Watford	4.65
Draw	3.41
Burnley	1.78

Burnley are the favorites, priced at 1.78 to win, reflecting their solid form and position in the league.
A draw offers odds of 3.41, which could appeal to those predicting a tighter match, while a Watford victory is seen as less likely, standing at 4.65. This disparity in odds underscores the challenge Watford faces in this fixture.

Watford Team Analysis

Watford Recent Performance

Home team	Away team	Date	Competition	Result
West Brom	Watford	2025-04-12	Championship	2-1 (Loss)
Watford	Hull	2025-04-08	Championship	1-0 (Win)
Bristol City	Watford	2025-04-05	Championship	2-1 (Loss)
Watford	Plymouth	2025-03-29	Championship	0-0 (Draw)
Oxford	Watford	2025-03-15	Championship	1-0 (Loss)

Recent Form: LWWLL

Watford has experienced a mixed bag of results recently, with their form being rather inconsistent. They have managed to secure just two victories in their last five outings, suffering three defeats.

The team has found it challenging to score, registering an average of only 0.60 goals per match in their last five games. However, they have maintained some defensive solidity with two clean sheets during this period.

Watford’s slim play-off hopes rely heavily on improving their attacking efficiency and converting more chances into goals.

Watford Key Players

For Watford, Vakoun Issouf Bayo remains the standout player, being their top scorer with 10 goals this season. His ability to find the back of the net will be crucial, especially considering Watford’s recent struggles in converting chances.

In midfield, Tom Dele-Bashiru and Imran Louza are vital for creating opportunities and maintaining team structure. Dele-Bashiru, with his playmaking skills, can exploit any gaps in Burnley’s defense.

Expected lineup for Watford:

• Goalkeeper: Egil Selvik
• Defenders: Jeremy Ngakia, Mattie Pollock, James Abankwah, Caleb Wiley
• Midfielders: Imran Louza, Tom Ince, Moussa Sissoko, Edo Kayembe, Tom Dele-Bashiru
• Forward: Mamadou Doumbia

Key individual battles to watch include Bayo against Burnley’s centre-backs, and the midfield clash involving Louza and Dele-Bashiru versus Burnley’s Cullen and Brownhill.

Watford Suspensions & Injuries

Watford has a few key players sidelined due to injuries, which might affect their performance against Burnley. The injuries to Giorgi Chakvetadze and Kwadwo Baah are particularly notable, as both players were expected to play vital roles in the squad. Here are the current injuries:

Player	Injury	Expected return
Kevin Keben	Hamstring	About a week
Kwadwo Baah	Thigh	Early May 2025
Yasser Larouci	Groin strain	Mid May 2025
Giorgi Chakvetadze	Toe injury	Late April 2025

With these players out, Watford may struggle to maintain their usual intensity, and the team’s depth will be tested. The absence of Baah and Chakvetadze will weaken their attacking options and creativity in the final third.

Watford Tactics and Formation

Watford Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Mamadou Doumbia
• Midfield Trio: Imran Louza, Thomas Ince, Edo Kayembe
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wide play with Moussa Sissoko and Tom Dele-Bashiru.

Watford, under coach Tom Cleverley, is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation against Burnley. This setup will likely focus on providing a strong defensive base with Louza and Ince shielding the backline.

With Sissoko and Dele-Bashiru offering width, Watford will aim to exploit the flanks. The central attacking responsibilities will fall to Kayembe, whose creativity is essential in linking up with forward Mamadou Doumbia.

Despite recent injuries, the formation provides balance, though the team will need to be wary of Burnley’s counterattacks. Watford’s tactical flexibility could be the key to overcoming their injuries and securing a positive result.

Burnley Team Analysis

Burnley Recent Performance

Home team	Away team	Date	Competition	Result
Burnley	Norwich	2025-04-11	Championship	2-1 (Win)
Derby	Burnley	2025-04-08	Championship	0-0 (Draw)
Coventry	Burnley	2025-04-05	Championship	1-2 (Win)
Burnley	Bristol City	2025-03-29	Championship	1-0 (Win)
Swansea	Burnley	2025-03-15	Championship	0-2 (Win)

Burnley are in superb form, unbeaten in their last five matches with four wins and one draw. Their recent results (WWDWW) highlight their dominance and consistency in the Championship.

On average, they have scored 1.40 goals per game in their last five matches and have kept three clean sheets. Their defensive solidity is a key strength, conceding only 13 goals this season.

Burnley’s impeccable form makes them strong favourites, and they’ll be aiming to maintain their momentum against Watford.

Burnley Key Players

Expected lineup for Burnley:

• Goalkeeper: James Trafford
• Defenders: Connor Roberts, CJ Egan-Riley, Maxime Estève, Lucas Pires
• Midfielders: Marcus Edwards, Josh Cullen, Hannibal Mejbri, Jaidon Anthony
• Forwards: Josh Brownhill, Zian Flemming

Josh Brownhill, Burnley’s top scorer with 13 goals, will be pivotal in Burnley’s attack. His partnership with Zian Flemming, who leads the forward line, will pose significant threats to Watford’s defense.
In midfield, Josh Cullen and Hannibal Mejbri are expected to control the tempo and provide creativity. Marcus Edwards on the right wing will be a key outlet for width and crosses.
Burnley’s solid defensive unit, led by CJ Egan-Riley and Maxime Estève, will aim to maintain their impressive defensive record. Such battles, particularly Brownhill against Watford’s defenders, will be crucial in determining the match outcome.

Burnley Suspensions & Injuries

Player	Injury	Expected return
Louis Jordan Beyer	Hamstring Injury	Late April 2025
Mike Trésor	Leg injury	Late April 2025
Bashir Humphreys	Hip injury	Late April 2025
Jonjo Shelvey	Leg injury	Early May 2025
Enock Agyei	Muscle injury	Late May 2025
Lyle Foster	Shoulder injury	Mid May 2025

Despite a strong squad, Burnley is facing several key injuries leading into the match. With notable absences like Louis Jordan Beyer, Mike Trésor, and Bashir Humphreys, manager Scott Parker will need to rely on squad depth and tactical adjustments to maintain their unbeaten streak.

Jonjo Shelvey’s creativity in midfield will be missed, adding extra pressure on Josh Cullen and Hannibal Mejbri to deliver. The forward line also takes a hit with Lyle Foster’s ongoing shoulder injury, putting the scoring burden on Josh Brownhill and Zian Flemming.

Injuries can disrupt cohesion, but Burnley’s depth and form suggest they can manage these setbacks.

Burnley Tactics and Formation

Burnley’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Zian Flemming
• Midfield Power: Josh Brownhill, Hannibal Mejbri, Josh Cullen
• Defensive Solidity: Three clean sheets in the last five games.

Burnley under Scott Parker has been consistent with their 4-2-3-1 formation, balancing defensive strength and attacking flair. With Zian Flemming leading the attack, supported closely by Josh Brownhill, who also leads in goals with 13 this season, the team maintains a robust offensive setup.

The midfield, featuring Hannibal Mejbri and Josh Cullen, provides additional support and creativity. Defensively, Burnley has shown resilience, conceding minimal goals and ensuring stability at the back.

Their strategy often includes a strong finish before halftime, scoring many goals between the 31-45 minute mark.

Watford vs Burnley Head-to-Head Statistics

Home team	Away team	Date	Competition	Result
Burnley	Watford	2024-12-21	Championship	2-1 (Win)
Burnley	Watford	2023-02-14	Championship	1-1 (Draw)
Watford	Burnley	2022-08-12	Championship	1-0 (Win)
Watford	Burnley	2022-04-30	Premier League	1-2 (Loss)
Burnley	Watford	2022-02-05	Premier League	0-0 (Draw)

These matches demonstrate a competitive history, with Burnley slightly holding the upper hand. Notably, Burnley secured victories in the most recent encounter and in April 2022 in the Premier League. Watford managed a win and a draw in previous encounters, highlighting their potential for resilience at home.

Odds accurate as of 16/04/2025 15:03, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.