Leicester City welcome Watford to the King Power Stadium on 26 December for a Championship clash with plenty riding on it.
Both sides are separated by just one point in the table and arrive with identical goal tallies, but Leicester’s dominant head-to-head record and home advantage will be put to the test against a Watford side showing improved defensive steel. Kick-off is set for 3:00 PM, promising a Boxing Day fixture that could shape the playoff race as the season reaches its halfway mark.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on the combination of Leicester’s historic home dominance over Watford and both teams’ tendency to find the net this year, our top betting recommendation is for Leicester City to win. However, there’s strong value in goals markets, with both teams regularly hitting the scoresheet and recent stats highlighting defensive vulnerabilities on both sides. Here are our top picks for this fixture:
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leicester City to Win | 13/10 @ Betfair (43.5%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Leicester have won 9 of last 12 vs Watford and 7 of last 8 at home. |
| Both Teams to Score – Yes | 8/11 @ Bet365 (57.9%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Both sides average 1.4 goals scored and conceded per game; BTTS in 8 of last 12 H2Hs. |
Odds correct at the time of writing.
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Season Form & Standings
Both teams have played 22 matches, with Watford sitting 10th (32 points) and Leicester 13th (31 points). While both sides have identical goal tallies (31), Watford’s defence has been slightly tighter, conceding three fewer goals. Leicester’s form has been patchy with 8 wins, 7 draws, and 7 defeats, while Watford have drawn more often (8) and lost less (6).
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watford | 10 | 22 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 31 | 28 | +3 | 32 |
| Leicester City | 13 | 22 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 31 | 31 | 0 | 31 |
Potential Match-Winners
- Jordan Ayew (Leicester City): Key forward presence, with Leicester’s attack relying on a collective approach. Look for Ayew’s movement to test Watford’s backline.
- Stephy Mavididi (Leicester City): Threat on the left, capable of beating defenders and getting shots away – averages over two shots per game.
- Luca Kjerrumgaard (Watford): Emerging as a consistent goal threat, and with Leicester conceding 31 in 22, he’s a strong candidate for the anytime scorer market.
- Moussa Sissoko (Watford): Experienced midfielder, key for controlling possession and breaking up Leicester attacks.
Head-to-Head: Last 12 Meetings
Leicester City have dominated this fixture, winning 9 of the last 12 clashes with Watford, including seven of the last eight at home. Watford have not won away at Leicester in this period, while only one draw has been recorded.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 10/02/24 | Watford 1-2 Leicester City | Championship |
| 25/11/23 | Leicester City 2-0 Watford | Championship |
| 15/05/22 | Watford 1-5 Leicester City | Premier League |
| 08/01/22 | Leicester City 4-1 Watford | FA Cup |
| 28/11/21 | Leicester City 4-2 Watford | Premier League |
| 20/06/20 | Watford 1-1 Leicester City | Premier League |
| 04/12/19 | Leicester City 2-0 Watford | Premier League |
| 03/03/19 | Watford 2-1 Leicester City | Premier League |
| 01/12/18 | Leicester City 2-0 Watford | Premier League |
| 20/01/18 | Leicester City 2-0 Watford | Premier League |
| 26/12/17 | Watford 2-1 Leicester City | Premier League |
| 06/05/17 | Leicester City 3-0 Watford | Premier League |
Conclusion: Can Leicester’s Home Record Tip the Scales?
This is a meeting of two closely matched sides, but Leicester’s outstanding record at the King Power against Watford can’t be ignored. While both teams have displayed defensive frailties, the Foxes’ marginally higher possession and passing stats, plus their historical dominance, make them a strong pick – especially with 13/10 @ Betfair offering standout value (43.5% implied chance). For those seeking extra value, Both Teams to Score appeals, but the safest route remains backing the home side to deliver once more.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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