West Brom vs Watford - Championship

The history between West Brom and Watford lends this Championship fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at The Hawthorns on September 5, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. Anderson was pointing out that City had held the whip hand in this fixture "for as long as I've known", which isn't exactly inaccurate but will also fan the flames ahead of Sunday's Old Trafford showdown.

Form and standings can only tell part of the story when West Brom and Watford cross paths in the Championship, and pride alone should guarantee a contest. West Brom have held their own of late, LDWWD in their last five reflecting a steady win rate of 50%. The visitors have been hard to predict on their travels, LLWLL in their last five reflecting a win rate of 34.78%. Goals could be in short supply or plentiful — West Brom average 1.89 per game to Watford's 1.22, and that gap may dictate the rhythm of the contest. Skinner had another year to run on his contract but has decided to move on a month out from United beginning their Women’s Super League season at London City Lionesses on September 4.

Wing play is likely to be central to the contest. West Brom will look to stretch the pitch and isolate their wide attackers, while Watford must find a way to compress the space and choke the supply lines. That allows him to sweep up possession without necessarily needing to tackle; rather, he pressures and intercepts.

The fixture features no shortage of talent, and the league's top marksman C. Larin — 7 goals this term — will be one to watch. Set-piece specialists and aerial threats on both sides mean dead-ball situations could carry outsized importance. As one of those fortunate enough to be inside the Westfalenstadion when he raced clear to score a Champions League winner against Chelsea in 2023, it is fair to say that Adeyemi's pace leaves an impression.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. With the sides so closely matched, a 2-2 stalemate looks the most likely way this one ends. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".