Watford vs Leeds United tips and predictions: Leeds to hold top spot in tense title race

The Whites beat Millwall 2-0 in their last game to take them level on points with Leicester City in their fight for automatic promotion. 

With both sides playing this Friday, Leeds can stay top of the table if they beat mid-table side Watford. 

Ipswich Town are also still in the fight, one point behind Leeds and Leicester in third with Southampton lurking in fourth place waiting for others to drop points. 

Leeds have been in good form with three straight wins on the bounce and they remain unbeaten in the league in 2024. 

Key individual performances have kept them going in their promotion hunt, Georginio Rutter being one of them. 

However, he faces a fitness test ahead of Friday’s game after undergoing minor surgery for a recurring hernia problem. 

The surgery was a success during the international break but with the short time in between the surgery and the game, Rutter could be a doubt for Friday.

Another key performer for Leeds recently has been Willy Gnonto with two goals in his last two games, taking his tally to seven for the season so far. 

His goal against Millwall helped ease nerves for the home side as they went onto take the three points and his current form makes him a good punt for another goal.

Watford’s season has definitely been a rollercoaster of emotions and recently they sacked manager Valerien Ismael after a run of five defeats in seven games.

Tom Cleverley is now in the hotseat after he retired from playing last year and he took charge of his first game against Birmingham City in which they won 1-0.

An Emmanuel Dennis goal was enough to see Cleverley’s side win and he now prepares for his first game at Vicarage Road against Leeds who have not lost to Watford in three games.

But it's Watford's home form that Cleverley really needs to worry about. They've not won at Vicarage Road since a 2-1 FA Cup win over National League side Chesterfield in early January.

That's six games without giving the home fans much to cheer about. They've not had any problems scoring at home, but it's unlikely Leeds will give them that much needed win.

Planet Sport Bet offer: Watford v Leeds  - Bet £20, get £5 free bet if both teams score in the 1st half

 

Key stats 

 - Leeds United are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Watford, not conceding a single goal

-  Watford have not won in their last five league games at home in all competitions

-  Leeds United have kept six clean sheets in their last 10 games in all competitions

-  Watford have scored at least one goal in nine of their last ten home games in all competitions

-  Leeds United defeated Watford at home in September 2023, winning 3-0 on the day

-  Watford have only led at half-time in three of their 38 league games so far this season 

 

Suggested bets 

Both teams to score 

Leeds United to win 

Willy Gnonto to score