Pundit predicts how Preston North End's match v Watford will go | OneFootball

Carlton Palmer has exclusively revealed to FLW that he is expecting Preston to cause an upset to Watford's bright start this season.

Watford travel to Preston North End on Wednesday evening as the Hornets look to improve on their brilliant 2-1 win versus Sunderland, but despite their form, Preston will be no easy feat.

Tom Cleverley has brought a spark back to Vicarage Road with Watford's performances. The Hornets sit just outside the play-offs, level with Sheffield United, who make up the final spot in the top six.

A valiant performance last Saturday, saw his side pick up maximum points against an unbeaten Sunderland side after a late Tom Dele-Bashiru winner.

This will no doubt give Cleverley's side the momentum to get a result versus Preston on Wednesday, but the Lilywhites shouldn't be underestimated.

Despite their lacklustre form leaving them in 22nd after seven games, Paul Heckingbottom has produced some strong performances after just over one month of being in the hot seat at Deepdale.

After a 3-1 defeat to Millwall last Saturday possibly increasing the likelihood of a Watford win, Preston certainly have the ability to fight back, in what could be a closer encounter than expected.

"I can see them getting a point" - Pundit backs Preston upset with Watford visit

Pundit Carlton Palmer has exclusively revealed his thoughts on what could come of the fixture. The former Watford midfielder knows that the Championship can throw up curveballs, and this game could certainly favour Heckingbottom's side.

"I could see Preston getting a point against Watford at home. The Hornets are enjoying a very good start to the season and sit just outside the play-off places, on equal points with Sheffield United, who are occupying the last play-off space.

"They play Preston, who occupy one of the relegation places, albeit on goal-difference, but I can see Preston frustrating Watford at home and picking up a point.

"Watford will be looking to go there and have the mindset of, 'right, this is a three points we should be having' because Preston are out of form, but the Championship doesn't work that way.

"Preston will make themselves hard to beat, and I can see Preston picking up at least a point against Watford at home on Wednesday evening."

Despite poor form, don't count out Preston's record at Deepdale

The Lilywhites have endured a difficult start to this season. It's not easy when your manager jumps ship so early on, with Ryan Lowe leaving in August, but Heckingbottom certainly has the right credentials to help turn their campaign around.

A key factor that could help his credentials is Preston's home record.

Deepdale has always been a tough place to visit for teams over the years. It provides a brilliant atmosphere when the game is swaying the way of Preston.

This season could prove that Deepdale is Preston's saving hope of having a successful season. The Lilywhites haven't conceded in three of their last four games in all competitions at home.

Watford will have to try and infiltrate Preston's brilliant defensive structure at Deepdale, which won't be easy.

Adding to this advantage, is Watford's dire away form. The Hornets have only picked up three points so far away from home, after their opening day win against Millwall.

Despite the two sides having a vast gap between them in the current table, the Championship is full of surprises, and if these statistics are anything to go by, it should be a tight encounter on Wednesday evening at Deepdale.