In the 2025-26 EFL Championship, Watford vs Bristol City at Vicarage Road Stadium on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 21:00. Watford will look to capitalize on their strong home form, remaining unbeaten in their last two matches at home. Meanwhile, Bristol City, struggling with defensive issues after consecutive defeats, will aim to turn their fortunes around.
This exciting Championship clash is set to feature competitive midfield battles and opportunities for attacking players on both sides to shine.
This coming fixture sees Watford hosting Bristol City at Vicarage Road. Watford will aim to capitalise on home advantage and build momentum, while Bristol City — currently in or near the play-off zone will look to arrest a recent dip in form and pick up a crucial away victory.
Watford vs Bristol City – Date, Time, Predictions, and More
- Tournament: EFL Championship 2025–26 (Matchweek 15)
- Match Date: Friday, November 7, 2025
- Kickoff Time:
- USA: 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT
- Europe: 8:00 PM GMT / 9:00 PM CET
- Local (Watford, England): 8:00 PM GMT
- Venue: Vicarage Road, Watford, England
- Recent Form (Last 5 Matches):
- Watford: D–W–L–W–L (2 Wins, 1 Draw, 2 Losses)
- Bristol City: L–L–D–W–W (2 Wins, 1 Draw, 2 Losses)
Team Form & Recent Performance – Watford vs Bristol City
Watford have shown improved consistency under manager Javi Gracia, who took over in early October following Paulo Pezzolano’s departure. The Hornets currently occupy 12th place with 19 points from 14 matches (5 wins, 4 draws, 5 losses).
Their home record is particularly strong—they remain unbeaten in their last two matches at Vicarage Road, which provides a psychological advantage heading into this fixture. However, away form remains a concern, with Watford struggling on the road and scoring just 4 goals in 5 away matches.
Bristol City are ranked 6th with 22 points from 14 matches (6 wins, 4 draws, 4 losses), but recent form has deteriorated significantly. The Robins suffered consecutive defeats to Stoke City and Blackburn Rovers before this match, exposing defensive vulnerabilities despite their stronger league position.
Away form has also been inconsistent, with Bristol City managing only 3 wins in their last 7 road encounters. Manager pressure is building as the team fails to convert their mid-table position into winning momentum.
Key factors:
Watford’s improved attacking play under Gracia contrasts with Bristol City’s recent defensive fragility. The absence of key defensive players or tactical adjustments could determine the outcome significantly.
Last 5 Matches & Results Summary
| Team | Last 5 Matches | Win–Draw–Loss Record |
|---|---|---|
| Watford | vs Ipswich (D) vs Middlesbrough (L) vs West Brom (W) vs Coventry (L) vs Derby (W) | 2W–1D–2L |
| Bristol City | vs Blackburn (L) vs Stoke (L) vs Hull (W) vs Middlesbrough (W) vs Derby (D) | 2W–1D–2L |
Head-to-Head Record – Watford vs Bristol City
The rivalry between these two Championship clubs is evenly matched, with Watford holding a slight historical advantage. In their most recent 5 encounters (since 2022), Bristol City secured 2 wins while Watford won 1, with 2 draws.
The most memorable recent contest was February 2021, when Watford delivered a dominant 6–0 home victory—their biggest league win since 1982—with Ken Sema and Ismaila Sarr both scoring braces. This historical dominance at Vicarage Road underscores Watford’s home-ground advantage in head-to-head clashes.
Bristol City’s most recent success came with a 2–1 away victory on April 5, 2025, but Watford responded with a 1–0 home win just months later on November 26, 2024, demonstrating the competitive nature of matches between these sides.
Overall All-Time Record (Since 2003)
| Metric | Watford | Bristol City | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Matches | 25 | — | — |
| Wins | 8 | 7 | 10 |
| Win % | 32% | 28% | 40% |
| Total Goals For | 37 | — | — |
Recent Meetings (Last 5 Encounters)
| Date | Competition | Match | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 April 2025 | Championship | Watford vs Bristol City | Bristol City Won | 2–1 |
| 26 Nov 2024 | Championship | Watford vs Bristol City | Watford Won | 1–0 |
| 20 Jan 2024 | Championship | Bristol City vs Watford | Draw | 1–1 |
| 26 Dec 2023 | Championship | Watford vs Bristol City | Bristol City Won | 1–4 |
| 15 Apr 2023 | Championship | Watford vs Bristol City | Watford Won | 2–0 |
Watford vs Bristol City Predicted Starting Lineups
Based on current squad availability and tactical preferences, here are the expected starting elevens for both sides:
Watford Starting XI (4-4-2):
- Selvik (GK); Ngakia, Abankwah, Pollock, Bola; Ince, Louza, Kyprianou, Baah; Doumbia, Kjerrumgaard.
Bristol City Starting XI (3-4-2-1):
- Vítek (GK); Tanner, Dickie, Roberts; McCrorie, Randell, Vyner, Borges; Twine, Mehmeti; Jakobsen.
Key Players to Watch – Watford vs Bristol City
Watford
- Imran Louza – Vital midfield presence, can influence tempo and link play.
- Kwadwo Baah – Has pace and threat in attack, important given missing attacking options.
- James Morris or Matthew Pollock – Defensive solidity needed with injury issues.
Bristol City
- Anis Mehmeti – One of their more consistent attacking threats.
- Scott Twine – Creative spark, can make a difference in tight games.
- Ross McCrorie – Defensively and tactically important, especially with others injured.
Match Preview & Tactical Analysis
Watford enter this fixture as clear home favourites, backed by improved performances and unbeaten form at Vicarage Road. The key tactical battle will be contested in midfield, where Watford’s Louza and Kyprianou pairing must control possession and limit Bristol City’s transitions. Gracia has simplified the Hornets’ midfield structure, moving from a three-man setup to a more compact two-person unit that allows Louza greater freedom to contribute in attack while Kyprianou handles defensive responsibilities.
Bristol City will attempt to exploit Watford’s historical away form concerns by pressing aggressively early and forcing errors in transition. However, their recent two-match losing streak has eroded confidence, and the Robins’ defensive vulnerabilities—particularly in the middle of the park—could be exposed by Louza’s intelligent late runs and Watford’s width play down the flanks.
- Prediction: Watford 2–1 Bristol City
How to Watch Watford vs Bristol City Live
Watch the Watford vs Bristol City Championship fixture live across the globe with these broadcasting options:
| Region | Broadcaster | Kickoff Time |
|---|---|---|
| United States | CBS Sports Network | 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT |
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports+ / Sky Sports TV | 8:00 PM GMT |
| Europe (Germany) | Sky Sports | 9:00 PM CET |
| Canada | Sky Sports Apps | 3:00 PM ET |
| Australia | Streaming partners | 4:00 AM AEDT (Sat, Nov 8) |