This match feels a bit like it could be a potential changing of circumstances for both clubs, especially if Watford win.

The Hornets have won four on the spin at home, and come up against a Bristol City side looking to avenge back-to-back defeats.

Our Football Match Stats, including Watford v Bristol City, provide further insight.

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📈 Watford v Bristol City Form & Tactics

Watford are on a roll under Javi Gracia. They actually had decent performance data under Paulo Pezzolano, but couldn't find a way to turn that into results. They have done this under Gracia so far; they have won four consecutive home matches, the last one being a 3-0 victory over Middlesbrough, and then they grabbed a great point at Portman Road in midweek. This performance was a bit more gritty than expansive, but showed their character.

This has left Watford in 12th, but in a very congested league, they are only four points off the play-offs. Their performance data is in the top half; they are ninth for expected goals and ninth for shots on target. They are also top eight defensively for expected goals conceded, so this seems to be a sustainable run of form.

Bristol City have been in and around the top six since their opening day victory at Sheffield United, but there have been worrying results of late. A home defeat to Blackburn in midweek made it back-to-back defeats after a thrashing at Stoke City last Saturday. The Robins are still seventh, but defeat here would see Watford leapfrog them, and City would end the weekend in midtable.

Stats suggest that there is a strange quirk in Bristol City's attacking play. They have the sixth-best xG total in the league but are way down at 19th for shots on target. Interestingly, as well, for a team that plays supposedly direct football, they are 24th for accurate long passes this season.

📔 Watford v Bristol City Formation & Team News

More can probably be predicted from Watford's last home game against Middlesbrough than their rear-guard action against Ipswich. The use of wingers and, ostensibly, a front two, against Middlesbrough looked bold on paper, but ended up being very effective. If the wingers can work hard to get in behind the ball, then the 4-4-2 can still be a very effective system at both ends of the pitch.

Hector Kyprianou is unlikely to play here for Watford, which is a blow. Nampalys Mendy should be a straight swap.

Gerhard Struber has been using a very quick 3-4-2-1 system with a lot of consistency in selection. Emil Riis, Anis Mehmeti, and Scott Twine have been the front three Struber has relied on; the problem has come when they have hit injuries defensively and in central midfield.

There isn't much relief forthcoming for City for this match on the injury front. Indeed, Mark Sykes and Neto Borges look to have added to an injury list that is already lengthy.

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* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.

* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.