– Watford have won three of their last four games
– Stoke have conceded the first goal in six of their last nine away games in the Championship
– Recommended use: Watford wins

Neither Watford nor Stoke were among the favourites at the start of the Championship season, but both were able to advance in the EFL Cup after their league victories and go into this weekend’s duel in Hertfordshire with a lot of confidence.

The Hornets started with a hard-fought 3-2 win at Millwall before showing their class with a 5-0 victory over League Two side MK Dons on Tuesday.

But they will have respect for Stoke, who beat Coventry 1-0 at home last Saturday and then recorded a solid 2-0 victory at fourth division side Carlisle.

Watford made seven changes to Tuesday’s 5-0 home win over MK Dons in the EFL Cup and are likely to largely rely on the squad that played at Millwall last weekend.

However, Tom Cleverley could consider offering a starting place to Thomas Ince, who scored a hat-trick during the week.

Yaser Asprilla is set to leave the club, but has already started training again. Wesley Hoedt (injured) is expected to miss the match.

Stoke will likely be without Michael Rose (ankle) and Sam Gallagher (calf).

Potters manager Steven Schumacher made eight changes for the EFL Cup win in Carlisle and is likely to return to his first choice.

Watford have won three of their last four games.

The Hornets have had a strong record against Stoke recently, picking up 13 points from their last six meetings in the Championship.

Watford’s last three games have seen at least four goals in each.

Stoke have conceded the first goal in six of their last nine away league games.

In four of the Potters’ last six games, fewer than three goals were scored.

Watford struggled with home form last season but will be hoping to make Vicarage Road a fortress this season and could take a step in the right direction with a win over Stoke.

Many experienced managers have tried in vain to please Watford’s demanding owners, but newcomer Tom Cleverley has made a strong start and was certainly delighted with his team’s performance in their 5-0 EFL Cup home win over MK Dons on Tuesday.

Several of Watford’s substitutes put in impressive performances and gave Cleverley something to think about, as he now faces a difficult selection to make.

But the Hertfordshire team faces tougher competition against Stoke, who have strengthened over the summer and have also won two out of two games.

Stoke will be looking to improve on last season’s 17th-place finish, but have not won a league game at Watford since 2017 and could fall short this weekend.

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