The Hornets head up north to face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light next, as Valérien Ismaël’s charges begin an away day double-header with eyes on improved performances and results.
Ahead of the fixture against the Black Cats on Wednesday evening (October 4, 7.45pm KO), here we take a look at all the stats, facts and figures surrounding the eagerly-awaited Sky Bet Championship encounter.
Previous Meetings
Sunderland have lost just one of their last eight home league games against Watford (W5 D2), a 1-0 defeat in December 2015.
Both league meetings last season finished 2-2, with Sunderland coming back from losing positions to earn a point both times. Not since their first three Football League meetings between August 1970 and August 1971 have there been three successive draws between the sides.
Watford are unbeaten in each of their last three league games against Sunderland (W1 D2), making it their longest unbeaten run against the Black Cats in the Football League since September 1993.
Recent Form
Watford have lost only one of their last six midweek league games (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday), along with three wins and two draws, including a 2-2 draw in their only previous such game this season against West Bromwich Albion.
Sunderland have won five of their previous seven league games (D1 L1), while in the Championship this season, only Norwich City (19) have scored more goals than the Black Cats (18).
No player has been involved in more Championship goals for Watford this season than Vakoun Bayo (two goals, one assist), netting last time out against Middlesbrough. Only Matheus Martins has had more shots (26) and touches in the opposition’s box (36) for the Hornets than Bayo in this campaign.
Opposition Stat Attack
Jack Clarke netted six league goals in September, the most by a Sunderland player since Charlie Wyke in February 2021. Of his seven league goals in the second-tier this season - the joint-most along with Adam Armstrong – only one has come at the Stadium of Light.
Former Watford and Wycombe Wanderers midfielder Luke O’Nien has attempted the most passes in the Black Cats’ squad with 650 – the majority coming in his own half (459). Meanwhile, Dan Neil has made the most passes in the opposition’s half (382).
Defensively, Daniel Ballard is top at Sunderland for blocks (12) and clearances (38), with Trai Hume having made the most interceptions (12).
Follow Live!
Domestic and overseas supporters can access live coverage of Sunderland v Watford, via the Hornets’ Hive Live streaming service.
Click HERE for more information on how to follow the Sky Bet Championship clash from home.
