Watford will be hoping to continue their strong start to the season when they host fellow Championship side Plymouth Argyle at Vicarage Road on Tuesday in the second round of the EFL Cup.
The home team ran out 5-0 winners against MK Dons in the previous round on August 13, while Wayne Rooney's Plymouth advanced after winning 3-0 and dominating proceedings against Cheltenham Town on the same date.
Match preview
![Watford's Mileta Rajovic celebrates scoring their side's third goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match at The Den, London, on August 10, 2024 [on August 25, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/34/mileta-rajovic.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Watford's Mileta Rajovic celebrates scoring their side's third goal of the game during the Sky Bet Championship match at The Den, London, on August 10, 2024 [on August 25, 2024]")
© Imago
The hosts' win against MK Dons was spearheaded by Thomas Ince, who managed to score a hat-trick and register an assist.
Matthew Pollock and Kwadwo Baah also scored on the night, and in truth, the scoreline did not flatter Watford.
The Hornets limited MK Dons to just three attempts inside the penalty area, while they themselves had 24 shots from 57% possession, 18 of which were from inside the box.
Tom Cleverley's side have started the Championship season in excellent form and are currently second in the table with nine points from their first three games.
Watford are also averaging the second most shots on target per match, while having created the third most big chances of any team in the division.
![Watford head coach Tom Cleverley during the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Millwall and Watford at The Den, London, England on August 10, 2024. [on August 11, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/32/tom-cleverley.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Watford head coach Tom Cleverley during the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Millwall and Watford at The Den, London, England on August 10, 2024. [on August 11, 2024]")
© Imago
Watford are also averaging the second most shots on target per match, while having created the third most big chances of any team in the division.
Opponents Plymouth Argyle won in the first round of the EFL Cup thanks to goals from Ben Waine, Ryan Hardie and Mustapha Bundu.
The Greens were deserving victors considering they had 70% possession, produced 32 shots and limited their opponents to just three attempts inside the penalty area.
However, though they thoroughly outclassed Cheltenham Town, Plymouth are currently fourth last in the Championship in 21st place, with just two points from their opening three league games.
Their 4-0 loss on August 11 against Sheffield Wednesday in their first league match was followed up by consecutive 1-1 draws against Hull City and most recently Queens Park Rangers on August 24.
Rooney praised his side for their draw against QPR and applauded their character for managing to secure a draw despite Adam Forshaw being sent off in the 29th minute, as well as Freddie Issaka in the first minute of stoppage time at the end of the second half.
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Team News
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Watford will be without defender Wesley Hoedt as he has signed for Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab.
The hosts could start Ken Sema, Kwadwo Bahh and Ryan Porteous, who all featured from the bench in the Hornets win against Derby on August 24.
Meanwhile, the visitors will be unable to select both Freddie Issaka and Adam Forshaw, while Brendan Galloway was forced off against QPR due to injury.
Julio Pleguezuelo could replace Galloway in defence, and Michael Obafemi could be given a start after featuring from the bench against QPR.
Watford possible starting lineup:
Bachmann; Pollock, Sierralta, Porteous; Andrews, Sissoko, Dele-Bashiru, Sema; Baah, Chakvetadze; Rajovic
Plymouth Argyle possible starting lineup:
Hazard; Edwards, Gibson, Pleguezuelo, Mumba; Randell, Houghton; Obafemi, Gyabi, Whittaker; Hardie
We say: Watford 2-1 Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth have proven they are capable of being resilient defensively, but they could struggle on Tuesday given the energy exerted in their valiant draw against QPR.
Watford will also be full of confidence after winning all four of their competitive games in 2024-25, and they should be favourites against Rooney's side.
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