Prediction and odds for the game: Tranmere (9/2) v Watford (4/7)
We are backing Watford to win.
When: Tuesday 14th January 2020, kick-off 7:45 PM
Where: Prenton Park
On Tuesday night, League One Tranmere Rovers will look to cause another shock as they host Watford at Prenton Park, in an FA Cup third-round replay.
Tranmere
The Whites produced an incredible comeback in the first game at Vicarage Road by coming back from three goals down to rescue a 3-3 draw with just three minutes remaining.
Although the draw was a commendable result, Rovers have been in poor form of late, winning just once in their last nine outings in all competitions. They have also failed to win in six competitive matches. Their recent matches have not always been high-scoring, but both teams have scored in five of their last six outings.
Rovers recent home record does not suggest that they will pull-off a shock either, as they have won just once in five matches at Prenton Park.
Tranmere have been hard to beat of late in the FA Cup, losing just once in their last nine matches in the famous old competition. On the flip-side, they have won just once in their last eight home games in the FA Cup.
Watford
The Hornets have undergone something of a revival under new boss Nigel Pearson. The visitors visit Bournemouth in the Premier League later today with the possibility of moving out of the relegation zone.
Pearson’s team are unbeaten in five games in all competitions (prior to the Bournemouth game). They have also scored at least two goals in of their last five outings in all competitions. Fair to say that Pearson has dragged something out of the squad that their previous bosses struggled to find.
With Premier League survival their priority this season, it remains to been seen the strength of the team that the team from Hertfordshire will field on Merseyside.
The Hornets have a decent recent record in the FA Cup. They may have lost last seasons FA Cup final 6-0 against champions Manchester City, but they had won four in of the previous five rounds in normal time and once in extra-time when they saw off Wolves.
The Hornets have won their last three away games in the competition, without conceding a goal. Their recent away matches in the FA Cup have been low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in their last five games on the road.
Conclusion
This game is an unwanted distraction for both teams, who are fighting for survival in their respective leagues. Watford are likely to field a rotated squad, but we are still backing the Hornets to pull off the victory. We are also backing both teams to score at odds of 3/ 4, as both teams have been in relatively high-scoring clashes of late.
Verdict: Back the away win at odds of 4/7 and or both teams to score at odds of 3/ 4. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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