Match Info

• Watford v Queens Park Rangers
• Sky Bet Championship
• Vicarage Road
• Saturday August 27, 3pm BST

Officials

• Referee: Keith Stroud
• Assistants: Sam Lewis and Akil Howson
• Fourth Official: Lee Venamore

Opposition

Rangers have had a mixed start to the 2022/23 campaign, enjoying some impressive highs but suffering some lows. Following an opening-day defeat to Blackburn, QPR beat Middlesbrough and drew with Sunderland after a last-gasp equaliser from goalkeeper Seny Dieng.

Despite the momentum, the visitors are winless in two games and currently find themselves in the bottom half of the league table. Head Coach Michael Beale will be hoping for a reaction against the Hornets.

Key Stats

• Rob Edwards’ Hornets are unbeaten in five league games this season, with Watford last starting a league season with six unbeaten games in 2000/01 under then manager Graham Taylor.
• Only one other side in the Sky Bet Championship has conceded fewer goals and kept more clean sheets so far this season than Watford.
• Queens Park Rangers have picked up just eight points in their last 12 away league matches, and since February no side has lost more games in the second-tier.

For the full statistical breakdown, check out Stats Buzz: Queens Park Rangers In Numbers.

Team News

A late decision will be made on the availability of both Ismaïla Sarr and João Pedro ahead of the match.

Sarr has been back in training this week after recovering from hamstring stiffness, while João Pedro is aiming for a return after missing the Preston North End and MK Dons clashes with a calf strain.

Fellow forward Keinan Davis continues to suffer with illness, and Tom Cleverley (calf) remains on the comeback trail.

For more information on Watford’s team news, click HERE.

Jake Clarke-Salter, Taylor Richards and Luke Amos remain out for QPR.

What Are They Saying?

Rob Edwards, Watford Head Coach:

“QPR are a well-coached team doing things a little bit differently. They make changes in games and they have lots of technical and individual players that can make a difference by themselves or in quick combinations.

“They will provide a really stern test for us and one we are looking forward to because we have lots of those things as well. It should make for an exciting game.

“Michael Beale is a young guy, but very experienced. I’ve not come across him yet, but I’m looking forward to meeting him properly tomorrow. I’m well aware of his recent past. When you have worked with someone like Steven Gerrard there is always going to be a bit more of a furore about you. He is an extremely well thought of coach in the world of football.”

Michael Beale, QPR Head Coach:

“They are a good team, athletic, they have a huge amount of experience from the Premier League specifically and there aren’t many bigger challenges than this Saturday, but we are looking forward to it.

“It’s a local derby and it’s important that we show our fans that we are fully committed and up for the game.”

Head-to-Head

Overall:

Won: 33

Drawn: 31

Lost: 51

Last Six:

February 2021: Watford 1-2 QPR (Championship)

November 2020: QPR 1-1 Watford (Championship)

February 2019: QPR 0-1 Watford (FA Cup)

April 2014: QPR 2-1 Watford (Championship)

December 2013: Watford 0-0 QPR (Championship)

April 2011: Watford 0-2 QPR (Championship)

Golden Flashback

A flashback to the 2009/10 season, the scene of Lloyd Doyley’s iconic and long-awaited first goal for Watford.

Follow Live!

Domestic and overseas supporters can access live coverage of Watford v QPR, via the Hornets’ Hive Live streaming service with Jon Marks and Tommy Mooney.

Click HERE for more information on how to follow the enticing clash.

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