Watford are heading into a pivotal week that could shape their season, with the Championship’s bottom two – Norwich City and Sheffield Wednesday – arriving at Vicarage Road.
Norwich visit first for Saturday’s 12.30pm kick-off, having won on their previous two trips to WD18, including a 2–1 Carabao Cup victory in the opening week of the campaign. Little has gone the Canaries’ way since. A return of just nine points from their first 15 league fixtures cost Liam Manning his job, with Philippe Clement stepping in and finally securing their first win since August in last week’s 3–1 defeat of QPR.
Even so, a team with just one point from their last five away games presents a clear opportunity for Javi Gracia’s side. Watford have shown flashes of real promise in recent weeks but have managed only one win in their last five, with back-to-back 1–1 home draws against Bristol City and Preston proving particularly frustrating. Breaking down deep-defending visitors has become an urgent priority — and it will matter even more on Tuesday night against Sheffield Wednesday.
The Owls may be edging toward a takeover that stabilises their future, but their current season is in disarray. A further six-point deduction this week brings their total to 18, leaving them 27 points from safety on -10. Even without the penalties, they would still sit bottom. Their only victory came at Portsmouth on September 20, and since then they have managed just four draws and eight defeats from 12 matches.
The pressure will be firmly on Watford to win both games — a six-point week is the expectation. Gracia recently urged his young squad to “learn quickly” after defeat to Birmingham, highlighting the tension at the heart of the club’s season. Watford are packed with emerging talent, such as the impressive Othmane Maamma, yet the club have also set their sights on a promotion push that demands consistency.
Whether they can develop youngsters for the future while also winning now is the crucial question. To make both aims compatible, the team must find a higher gear soon. Gracia, who has earned far more favour with players and leadership than predecessor Paulo Pezzolano, is not immune to pressure if results stall. Former captain Troy Deeney has emphasised the need for a “relentless” mentality, while Maamma himself noted that Watford are missing the “small details” required to turn performances into wins.
Two December fixtures won’t define an entire campaign, but patience will thin quickly if the mood does not shift. Poor results this week would raise serious concerns. By this time next week, Watford will have a much clearer picture of what their 2025/26 season is likely to become.