Cardiff City vs. Watford: Match Statistics and Team Form

The upcoming fixture marks the commencement of Omer Riza’s ‘permanent’ tenure as Cardiff’s manager. The Bluebirds are currently experiencing a five-match winless streak, placing them precariously close to the relegation zone, which is only two points beneath their current standing. Riza, whose role was confirmed on Thursday to last until the season’s conclusion, previously led Cardiff to four victories in six matches during his interim management following Erol Bulut’s departure. The team must recapture this earlier form to prevent falling into the relegation places. Watford, their opponents, have ascended to sixth position in the league, achieving four wins in their last seven games. Notably, their sole defeat within this period occurred in South Wales, a 1-0 loss against Swansea last month. * Cardiff City has remained undefeated in their last three league encounters with Watford (two wins, one draw), marking their most extended such sequence since a six-match run spanning 2011 to 2014. * Watford has not been defeated in their last five away league fixtures against Cardiff City (four wins, one draw), a streak that began after a 2-1 loss in October 2012. Furthermore, both teams have scored in each of the Hornets’ last 12 away matches against Cardiff since August 2005. * Cardiff has incurred more home Championship defeats in 2024 than any other team, with a total of 10 losses. This includes six of their last 10 home matches (four wins), specifically their previous two. * Watford is currently undefeated in their last four league games (two wins, two draws) and has the opportunity to achieve three consecutive clean sheets in the league, a feat not accomplished since August 2023. * In the Championship this season, only Portsmouth (9) has allowed more goals from outside the penalty area than Cardiff (6). Additionally, only Rubin Colwill (9) has registered more shots on target from outside the box in this competition than Giorgi Chakvetadze of Watford (8).