Watford

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It's a big game in the Championship play-off race as sixth-placed Watford and fifth-placed Millwall meet at Vicarage Road on Saturday (12:30 GMT).

Depending on results elsewhere, a place in the top-four is at stake for the winners, with the Lions holding a two-point advantage over the in-form Hornets before kick-off.

Javi Gracia's side have won four straight games and taken 17 points from their past seven games while Alex Neil's men are unbeaten in four, claiming eight points and conceding only two goals.

• Watford have lost five of their past seven league games against Millwall (W1 D1), losing 1-0 away at the Den earlier this season.

• Following a 2-1 win at Vicarage Road last season, Millwall are looking for consecutive away league wins at Watford for the first time since a run of four between October 1995 and January 2002.

• No current side is on a longer Championship winning run than Watford, who've won their last four games. The Hornets are looking to win five in a row for the first time since a run of six in March/April 2021.

• Since Alex Neil's first Championship game in charge of Millwall, only Coventry City (93) have picked up more points than the Lions (80). Neil's next game will be his 50th league game in charge – he has 23 wins so far, with only Mark McGhee (29) and the joint manager duo Keith Stevens and Alan McLeary (26) having won more in their first 50 games.

• Watford have scored 16 goals when they've been losing in the Championship this season, two more than any other team when they've been trailing. The Hornets have outshot their opponents 132 to 66 when losing (+66 differential), with only Middlesbrough having a better difference in 2025/26 (+94).

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Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna, Watford's Javi Gracia, Sergej Jakirovic of Hull City and Swansea head coach Vitor Matos have been nominated for the Championship's manager of the month award for December.

McKenna has moved Ipswich into the top three and within two points of second-placed Middlesbrough after taking 14 points from their seven games last month, which included two wins over leaders Coventry.

Watford reappointed Gracia as head coach in October and an unbeaten run in December has pushed them into the play-off places, with the Hornets currently on a four-game winning run in the league.

Jakirovic has taken Hull City into promotion contention with wins at Middlesbrough and Millwall.

Swansea boss Matos started his reign with successive defeats but four wins from their six games in December has taken the Welsh side eight points clear of the relegation zone.

The winner will be announced on Friday, 16 January.

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Watford have designated Saturday's home Championship fixture against Millwall as this season's Graham Taylor Matchday in memory of their former manager.

Fans from both sides are being asked to bring scarves to Vicarage Road to hold up as the teams come out onto the pitch before the 12:30 GMT kick-off.

And there will be 60 seconds of applause in the 72nd minute to mark Taylor's death at the age of 72 in 2017.

First brought to the club by Sir Elton John in 1977, Taylor led Watford to four promotions in five years before leaving for Aston Villa - and two further promotions followed after he returned to the club in 1996 following a spell as England boss.

The Graham Taylor Matchday takes place each year on the date closest to his passing on 12 January.

Watford are currently sixth in the table following four successive league wins under Javi Gracia, who is in his second spell in charge.

Pundits Dion Dublin and Rob Green join host Jason Mohammad to bring you the action and talking points from Friday and Saturday's FA Cup ties.

Watch on BBC iPlayer here

And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:

• Wrexham 3-3 (4-3 pens) Nottingham Forest

• Preston North End 0-1 Wigan

• Macclesfield Town 2-1 Crystal Palace

• Everton 1-1 (0-3 pens) Sunderland

• Wolves 6-1 Shrewsbury Town

• Fulham 3-1 Middlesbrough

• Manchester City 10-1 Exeter City

• Newcastle 3-3 (7-6 pens) Bournemouth

• Stoke City 1-0 Coventry City

• Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa

• Bristol City 5-1 Watford

• Cambridge United 2-3 Birmingham City

• Charlton 1-5 Chelsea

Watford boss Javi Gracia has said that side need to improve if they are going to "keep their level in the Championship" after a 5-1 thumping against Bristol City that saw them exit the FA Cup.

"Before the game, I spoke with the players and I explained to them how important this competition [the FA Cup] is for me," Gracia told BBC Radio Three Counties.

"The good memories I had after my experience of arriving at the FA Cup final [with Watford in 2019].

"The team wanted it but the first half we competed better than in the second. The first half we had some chances that we didn't take and the opponent scored their goals.

"After that, in the second half, we didn't compete how we have to.

"I don't really know what happened in the second half but we conceded. We were soft defending, we conceded many chances for the opponent. It something we have to speak about and try to improve if we want to keep our level in the Championship."

Watford are currently in sixth place on the Championship table, having won their past four league games successively.

There are 18 third-round ties in the FA Cup on Saturday - 16 involving Premier League and Championship teams, who all enter the competition at this stage - and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.

• Cheltenham v Leicester (12:15) - BBC Radio Leicester

• Everton v Sunderland (12:15) - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Macclesfield v Crystal Palace (12:15) - BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 5 Live & BBC Radio Manchester

• Wolves v Shrewsbury (12:15) - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3 & BBC Radio WM

• Boreham Wood v Burton Albion

• Burnley v Millwall - BBC Radio London

• Doncaster v Southampton - BBC Radio Solent

• Fulham v Middlesbrough - BBC Radio 5 Live

• Ipswich v Blackpool - BBC Radio Suffolk

• Man City v Exeter City - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra

• Newcastle v Bournemouth - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2 & BBC Radio Newcastle

• Salford P-P Swindon

• Sheff Wed v Brentford

• Stoke v Coventry - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 3, BBC Radio Stoke & BBC Radio CWR

• Bristol City v Watford (17:45) - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, BBC Radio Bristol and BBC Three Counties Radio

• Cambridge United v Birmingham (17:45) - BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2

• Grimsby v Weston (17:45)

• Tottenham v Aston Villa (17:45) - BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio London

• Charlton v Chelsea (20:00) - BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Radio London

Kick-off times 15:00 GMT unless stated

Follow all of the action and reaction here

And find out how to follow the FA Cup across the BBC this weekend here

You can also listen to today's 5 Live commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Fulham v Middlesbrough" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Tottenham v Aston Villa", for instance.

Find out more about how to listen to football on BBC Sounds

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Watford have ended the season-long loan of Chelsea full-back Caleb Wiley.

The American, 21, played 10 games for the Hornets during a previous loan spell last season and a new deal was agreed by the clubs last summer.

But he has been restricted to just five Championship appearances this term because of injury problems, the most recent back in October at Sheffield United.

"Watford FC confirms the termination of Caleb Wiley's loan from Chelsea," the club said in a statement., external

Wiley began his career with Atlanta United before joining Chelsea in 2024 and has won three caps for the US national team.

Watford head coach Javi Gracia is still baffled by the postponement of last weekend's Championship game at Hull City.

The match was called off shortly before the 15:00 GMT kick-off because of safety concerns about frozen areas surrounding the pitch.

"I don't understand why we didn't play. We thought the pitch was in a good condition to do it," the Spaniard told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"Around the pitch there were some things that could maybe have delayed a little bit the beginning of the game but after all the supporters travelling, all of us ready to play, we were really disappointed with the timing (of the postponement) and the process.

"In the last meeting were the referee, the Hull manager and me and different safety personnel. All of us said our opinion and I was the only person that wanted to play."

Gracia and his staff went to speak to fans following the postponement to explain the decision to them.

"We have the motivation for every game. We are waiting for the date for this game and we will be ready," he added.

Watford are away to Bristol City in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Christian Fuller
Watford fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

They say never fall in love with a loan player – and for Max Alleyne, that could not be more fitting.

While his time at Watford was short and sweet, the young centre-back had begun to make a real impact at Vicarage Road.

The 20-year-old made 16 league appearances for the Hornets across a spell which saw Javi Gracia's side lose just one of their last 13 matches.

While central defence is a position with more cover than most at Watford, his recall to Manchester City felt like a real blow.

As gutting as it is for Watford supporters to see Alleyne return to his parent club, the feeling was somewhat quelled watching him slot into City's starting XI right away.

And having impressed on his Premier League debut in Manchester City's 1-1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion, there is no doubt in my mind that Alleyne will one day find himself playing for England.

Already an international at various youth levels up to Under-21, the defender looked comfortable with the ball at his feet and passing it around the backline, often breaking lines or firing it into Erling Haaland.

It is fair to say he began the match looking nervous and was not flawless, but the biggest compliment you can give Alleyne is that you would not have known it was his Premier League debut.

To do that at the age of 20 is impressive in any position, but doing so in the heart of defence has meant Alleyne caught the eyes of many – all while not even being available as an option on the Premier League's own Fantasy Football game.

And somewhat fittingly, he did it lined-up alongside fellow former Watford loanee Nathan Ake.

How many more matches he will feature in this season is yet to be determined. And who knows, perhaps once Manchester City's injury crisis is resolved, we may see Alleyne back at Vicarage Road for the remainder of the season.

But one thing that is for certain – remember the name, Max Alleyne.

Championship clubs including Watford and Bristol City are on high alert as Chelsea attacking midfielder Leo Castledine could be sold. The 20-year-old has starred on loan at League One Huddersfield, scoring 12 goals in 27 appearances, but has a January break clause in his deal and is out of contract in the summer. (The Athletic, external)

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Wednesday's gossip column here.

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Watford midfielder Edo Kayembe will head back to England after his DR Congo side were knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.

The Leopards were beaten 1-0 by Algeria after extra time in Rabat to exit the competition at the last-16 stage.

The 27-year-old came on as a substitute in the 70th minute as his side lost to an Adil Boulbina goal in the final moments of extra time.

Kayembe had previously been used as a substitute in DR Congo's 1-1 draw with Senegal in their second group game before starting the 1-0 win over Benin.

Watford visit Bristol City in the FA Cup third round on Saturday (17:45 GMT).

Geoff Doyle
BBC 3CR sports editor

Image source, Getty Images

It's FA Cup third round weekend and for those Watford supporters travelling to Bristol City on Saturday, anybody who guesses the starting XI deserves a medal.

As much as it's one of the best club competitions in the world, this is not going to be top of the priority list at Vicarage Road.

Watford's four league wins in a row has thrust them firmly into promotion contention and, if they want to think big, an automatic place isn't beyond question.

It feels as though there isn't as much quality in the Championship this season, paving the way for teams like Watford to dream of a second place finish.

Despite the postponement at Hull on Sunday - the fallout from that is going to be interesting when the reports come out and the new date is set (expect plenty of spice in that one) - Watford players need a rest and a very well-earned one at that.

Ten players started all four games in the 14 days they played around Christmas. Javi Gracia won't want to risk too many of those nine in an FA Cup tie in which they'll start second favourites away to a fellow Championship team.

So the 11 at Ashton Gate is likely to be made up of all the recent substitutes that have featured over the Christmas and New Year period.

Will there be any new signings in the squad? Watford are being linked with a left back as cover for Marc Bola, who has put in such a big shift this season.

If they are to mount a realistic automatic promotion push, they would probably need two or three experienced others but that isn't the Watford way in terms of transfer policy, with chief executive Scott Duxbury recently reiterating the recruitment model of signing young, overseas potential stars.

The clash at Bristol City will give players who haven't featured as much this season the chance to shine but the top six clash against Millwall the following week will be much more the priority at Watford HQ.

Listen to Bristol City v Watford on BBC Three Counties Radio at 17:45 GMT this Saturday on your smart speaker, tablet and mobile phone via BBC Sounds.

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Watford defender Max Alleyne has returned to Manchester City after being recalled from a season-long loan at Vicarage Road.

The 20-year-old made 17 appearances for the Hornets, which included the four-match winning run up to New Year's Day which has lifted Javi Gracia's side into the play-off places.

Alleyne has yet to play a senior game for City, but has been part of their under-21 side in the EFL Trophy in the past two seasons.

Pep Guardiola's team need additional cover after Josko Gvardiol fractured a shin bone in their 1-1 draw with Chelsea and fellow defender Ruben Dias also went off injured.

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Watford have insisted they did not agree with the decision to postpone Sunday's Championship game at Hull City.

The match was called off fewer than 20 minutes before the scheduled 15:00 GMT kick-off because areas surrounding the pitch were deemed unsafe by match officials.

"The decision to postpone the fixture so close to kick-off is regrettable and we fully share the frustration of our supporters," Watford said in a statement.

But in a later post on X, the club said: "We hope all our inconvenienced fans made it home safely from Hull. We reiterate we were ready and willing to play after the pitch was passed fit by the referee.

"We remain disappointed by the decision to postpone, and by how the decision was reached. We did not agree to the postponement."

Tickets bought for the game can be used by travelling supporters when it is rescheduled.

Watford are sixth in the table but will switch to FA Cup action on Saturday for a third round tie away to Bristol City.

Christian Fuller
Watford fan writer

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, Shutterstock

Football can be frustrating at the best of times, but it reaches a whole new level when you leave a stadium before the match has even begun.

The feeling of frustration is one Watford supporters have begun to forget in recent weeks.

Four wins from four, seven unbeaten and in the play-off places – it felt like nothing could ruin the rhythm for Watford.

But the late postponement of the Hull City fixture due to freezing conditions left a bitter taste in the mouth of the travelling supporters.

You expect matches to be called off in the lower leagues, but not at this level – and certainly not in this way.

With fans having made the 200-mile trip, the game was scrapped less than 20 minutes before kick-off.

And the worst of it all? It fell to the Watford players to inform the fans in the away end that the match had been called off.

Decisions like this must be made sooner. It is as simple as that.

It was already badly scheduled, with an eight-hour round trip on a Sunday for an untelevised fixture. But the poorly handled decision may have just created an unofficial rivalry spawned out of annoyance and anger.

It was disappointing for so many reasons – but more than anything, it has taken the sting out of the excitement and buzz around the club following a string of fantastic results.

An investigation will inevitably take place, and the match will eventually be rescheduled. But that is little compensation for those who made the trip, hoping to see a Watford side full of confidence.

While it is yet to be seen if our momentum will be impacted, the Hornets are still flying high and remain in the play-off places despite most other Championship fixtures going ahead.

Meanwhile, Watford's dominant 3-0 win over Birmingham City certainly should not be forgotten.

It was a sign of intent – and one that supporters will be hoping can be replicated in the blockbuster tie against Millwall on 17 January.

A win against our fellow play-off hopefuls will rise us further up the Championship table. And from there – if our momentum has not diminished – who knows what the rest of the season may bring?

Bournemouth's Argentine left-back Julio Soler, 20, has emerged as a loan target for Watford. (Fabrizio Romano), external

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Monday's gossip column here.

Watford winger Tom Ince thanked head coach Javi Gracia for providing a "breath of fresh air" in his career after scoring his first hat-trick for more than 10 years.

The 33-year-old is one of the most experienced players in a largely youthful squad and has made 14 of his 16 appearances this season since the Spaniard returned to the club for a second spell in charge in October.

Ince's treble against Birmingham City on New Year's Day secured a 3-0 win to push the Hornets up to fourth in the Championship table, just three points adrift of Ipswich Town in second place.

"Whatever the manager asks of me, I try to do it to the best of my ability," Ince told BBC Three Counties Radio.

"It was nice to get my 100th (goal against Norwich) a few weeks ago and to add to that so quickly - I'll have a look at the table of the top 10 Championship goalscorers and see if I can catch a few of them before the end of the season.

"He [Gracia] understands what's required without hollering or shouting. He understands the squad he's got and that a lot of the players need his arm around them.

"He has players with a lot of flair and talent, but if you're not compact and you don't work together and have the belief to fight for each other, he doesn't care who you are.

"For me, he's been a breath of fresh air. Just the simplicity of it, he has his game plans, but the man he is, the aura he has around the place, I can't fault it."

Watford are away to fifth-placed Hull City on Sunday.

Watford boss Javi Gracia spoke BBC Three Counties Radio after Thursday's 3-0 win against Birmingham City.

"I told the players at the end of the game that I love to work at Christmas. It's a good moment for the team, having good performances at home and away and getting good results," he said.

"It's been amazing for us and help us to believe in all the things we are going and believe in the power of the squad. We just need to keep going.

"We were playing against a very good team and it's not easy to win 3-0 against Birmingham, the same way we did against Middlesbrough.

"It also a good thing to get another clean sheet. It's important because to get a clean sheet we have had to defended well while creating a lot of chances at the same time."