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

Watford welcome Oxford United to Vicarage Road this Saturday as both sides look to get their seasons moving in the EFL Championship.

The teams sit just three points apart in the table, so this match could be key in shaping early-season form.

The Hornets arrive off the back of a 2-1 win over Hull City, and followed that with a 2-2 draw at Portsmouth midweek.

Oxford, meanwhile, arrive at Vicarage Road after a 1-0 home loss to Sheffield United, then a disciplined goalless draw against the league’s in-form Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.

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

Daniel Oliveira (Playmaker Stats Editor): Oxford United have been solid at the back recently, drawing three of their last five matches. Their ability to hold strong sides like Queens Park Rangers and Leicester City shows they’re well-organised defensively.

That said, their win over Bristol City proves they can be dangerous going forward. To trouble Watford at Vicarage Road, Oxford will need to find the right balance between keeping things tight at the back and making the most of any attacking opportunities.

Given their recent form and resilience, I’d fancy Oxford to at least grab a point at Vicarage Road.

Prediction: 1-1

Predicted lineups

Watford: Egil Selvik, Max Alleyne, Kévin Keben, Formose Mendy, Jérémy Petris, Rocco Vata, Hector Kyprianou, Imran Louza, Caleb Wiley, Luca Kjerrumgaard, Kwadwo Baah

Oxford United: Jamie Cumming, Brodie Spencer, Michal Helik, Sam Long, Jack Currie, Przemyslaw Placheta, Cameron Brannagan, Brian De Keersmaecker, Filip Krastev, Will Lankshear, Nik Prelec

Unavailable

Watford

Oxford United

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