PREVIEW | Watford vs Oxford United - team news, lineups, predictions

Watford and Oxford United face off this Saturday at the Vicarage Road in EFL Championship.

Watford currently have 9 points and lie in 16th position. Last time out, Paulo Pezzolano's team drew 2-2 against Portsmouth (EFL Championship 2025/26).

Oxford United have won 6 points to date and are placed in 21st position. In their last outing, Gary Rowett's team drew 0-0 against QPR (EFL Championship 2025/26).

The last meeting between the two teams ended with Oxford United winning 1-0.

The Fan Zone

James Batchelor (TheWatfordWay): It’s the final game before the international break, and for Paulo Pezzolano, nothing short of a win will do if he is to silence growing speculation about his future. Watford’s start to the season has fallen short of expectations, particularly given the quality of this squad, arguably the strongest the club has assembled since relegation from the Premier League. The targets have been set, the ambition is clear; now it’s on Paulo and his players to deliver.

In midfield, Imran Louza has been the standout. Running the show with composure and drive, he’s not only dictated play but also contributed crucial goals, scoring in back-to-back games against Hull and Portsmouth. While not the official club captain, Louza’s leadership on the pitch has been evident.

Prediction: 2-0

Unavailable

Watford

• Pierre Dwomoh - Thigh Problems

Oxford United

• Ole Romeny - Broken Foot

Last starting XIs

Watford ( vs Portsmouth 2025-10-01): Egil Selvik, Max Alleyne, Mattie Pollock, James Abankwah, Moussa Sissoko, Caleb Wiley, Jérémy Petris, Hector Kyprianou, Imran Louza, Vivaldo Semedo, Nestory Irankunda

Oxford United ( vs QPR 2025-10-01): Jamie Cumming, Brodie Spencer, Sam Long, Michal Helik, Jack Currie, Przemyslaw Placheta, Brian De Keersmaecker, Cameron Brannagan, Filip Krastev, Nik Prelec, Will Lankshear