Competition: Championship

Market: Watford win

Odds: 11/10 @ 888sport

Looking to lay down a Boxing Day marker on Monday lunchtime, Watford will welcome an inconsistent Millwall to Vicarage Road.

Starting with the hosts, although Watford might have lost their Premier League status last season, the Hornets once again have their sights set on claiming an immediate top-flight return. Last seen picking up a deserved 2-0 victory away at relegation scrappers Huddersfield, Slaven Bilic’s men are enjoying an extended purple patch on either side of the World Cup break. In fact, aside from a 1-0 loss at the hands of Coventry last month, that is the only defeat that Monday’s hosts have suffered from their previous eight Championship contests. Tipped as a standout pick to claim a play-off spot in 2023, the former West Ham boss has also seen his side continue to shine with their rugged defensive displays. It should be highlighted, Watford have now kept a clean sheet in each of their last four second-tier appearances on the bounce.

As for the visitors, while Millwall might have enjoyed a real October flurry that saw them dreaming of their own play-off charge, Gary Rowett’s men have largely failed to build on that success. Last seen on December 10th when having to settle for a 1-1 draw at home against Wigan, the Lions have now picked up a sole Championship victory from their last six attempts. Likewise, marking their return from the World Cup break with a woeful 3-0 drumming away at Sunderland, the former Derby boss should face a tough test here. Claiming just one win from their last four second-tier showdowns outside of south London, Millwall also hold a hugely concerning record at Vicarage Road. Losing five of their previous six trips to the Boxing Day hosts and without a win in Hertfordshire since 2016, a similar home win can be found at appealing odds.

Bet: Watford 11/10 to beat Millwall in Boxing Day’s Championship battle @ 888sport