Tranmere Rovers vs Watford Prediction & Betting Tips - FA Cup

Prediction published on 11/01/2020, 06:55  by James | Modified on 11/01/2020 at 07:55 in FA Cup Predictions

The FA Cup replays serve up a number of interesting rematches this week. One of those games takes place at Prenton Park as Tranmere Rovers host Watford. Both sides are fighting their own relegation battles outside of this contest. Tranmere are 21st in League One while Watford sit in 19th place in the Premier League. The previous meeting between the teams was one of the games of the round as Tranmere stormed back from three goals down to draw 3-3 at Vicarage Road. It was an understrength Watford XI but the result, and the manner in which it was secured, was embarrassing for Nigel Pearson's side. With the fixtures still coming thick and fast, he may put advancement in the FA Cup lower on his list of priorities than securing Premier League survival.

Therefore, it's hard to see Pearson risking any of his first-choice stars in this fixture. Premier League clubs often look at the FA Cup as a chore, a side quest with a pay-off that doesn't match the effort and exertion. For lower-league clubs, it's almost the opposite. The magic of the cup is still alive for clubs who have the opportunity to claim a top-flight scalp. Although Tranmere have more important fish to fry, they won't get many chances to fry bigger. Knocking Watford out of the FA Cup would be a highlight of their season and we see them being more up for this tie than the visitors. Although their form is terrible (no wins from their last five games in all competitions), we think that a punt on Tranmere is worth the gamble.