Watford and Birmingham City are set for a direct confrontation in this England Championship match. The home side, Watford, has demonstrated impressive consistency recently, with only one loss in their last 10 matches, boasting an unbeaten record of 90%. Their efficiency in aerial duels and set pieces is particularly noteworthy, with their long-range shooting ability also posing a threat. Tactically, Watford prefers to control the tempo, seeking opportunities to break through defences under pressure. While they have weaknesses in counter-attacks, their overall defensive coordination is relatively strong. In contrast, Birmingham City's recent overall performance has been less impressive, with losses in 40% of their recent matches. The disconnect between their offense and defence puts the team at a disadvantage, especially when facing rapid attacks, and their weaknesses in defending set pieces are easily exploited. However, Birmingham's key players possess strong individual technique and creativity, which could be crucial in overcoming difficult situations. Regarding the lineups, Watford will be without key players: forward Vakoun Bayo and defender William Troost-Ekong. Although this negatively impacts their attack and defensive stability, Watford can still compensate through midfield adjustments and flexible movement to achieve local advantages. Birmingham City is only missing defender Ethan Laird, but this absence further increases the pressure on their already unstable overall defence. Historical records show that Watford holds a certain psychological advantage, and their dominance in past encounters makes them more likely to start strong in this match. For Birmingham City, the current situation is critical, requiring them to remain calm and resilient when facing a strong opponent. This match will cause new fluctuations in the standings, and whether the home team can maintain its momentum is worth watching. 01-01 23:00 Watford Birmingham City Betting direction: -0.25, Watford win, Home