The upcoming match between Stoke City and Watford is set to be an intriguing encounter, with both teams facing defensive concerns. Stoke City, in particular, have been struggling at the back recently, conceding goals even when playing at home. However, their opponents Watford have also shown vulnerabilities in their defensive line, especially when playing away from home.
In terms of recent form, Watford seem to have the upper hand, having secured positive results in their last two matches. On the other hand, Stoke City have been inconsistent, making the outcome of the match uncertain. Previous encounters between the two teams have not seen many goals, suggesting that this match could be tightly contested.
Despite their defensive issues, Stoke City appear to be the favorites going into the game. However, Watford have a reputation for performing well on the road, so they cannot be underestimated. In head-to-head matchups, Stoke City has won two games, Watford has won two games, and there has been one draw.
As for goal-scoring statistics, Stoke City have an average of 1 goal scored per game, while Watford have a slightly higher average of 1.3 goals scored per game. This indicates that both teams have the capability to find the back of the net, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the match.
In terms of coaching, Stoke City is managed by Mark Robins, while Watford is managed by Tom Cleverley. Both managers will be looking to address their defensive issues and set their teams up for success in this crucial match.
Overall, the match between Stoke City and Watford promises to be a closely fought contest, with both teams looking to improve their defensive performances and secure a valuable victory. With both teams showing potential in attack, the outcome of the match could hinge on which defense manages to hold firm under pressure.