Watford FC begin their EFL Cup campaign with a first-round clash against Norwich City at Vicarage Road on Tuesday, 12 August.
Keep close tabs on EFL Cup betting tips after viewing our key Watford vs Norwich City tips below.
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Watford vs Norwich prediction: Hornets to punish Canaries
Key stats
- Both sides fell to narrow defeats in their respective opening EFL Championship fixtures.
- Watford have lost once in their last six games, including four friendlies (D3, W2).
- Norwich have won once in their last seven games, including six friendlies (D3, L3).
Correct score prediction: Watford 3-2 Norwich City
Watford enter the EFL Cup looking to put last season's disappointing 14th-place Championship finish behind them. Paulo Pezzolano's side suffered an early setback this campaign with a stoppage-time defeat to Charlton Athletic, as Harvey Knibbs' 94th-minute strike condemned the Hornets to a 1-0 loss in their season opener.
Norwich City arrive in similar circumstances, having fallen to Millwall in their first league match. Both clubs endured early EFL Cup exits last term – Watford bowing out after a 2-1 loss to Manchester City in the third round, while Norwich were thrashed 4-0 by Crystal Palace one round earlier. With Watford's unbeaten preseason form providing cause for optimism, the Hornets will fancy their chances of progressing against a Canaries side also searching for their first win of the new campaign.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Bookies expect a close contest
- HOME: 29/20 (2.45) – 40.8%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 8/5 (2.60) – 38.4
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
With both sides searching for their first victory of the new season, bookmakers view this first-round affair with a similar perspective. Watford carry 29/20 (2.45) odds, implying a 40.8% chance of success, while Lim Manning’s Norwich are slight underdogs, with 8/5 (2.60) odds – 38.4% win probability rate.
Don’t forget to check out our football betting tips page if you’d like to wager on other intriguing games this weekend.
Most recent H2Hs: Norwich with the edge
Norwich have won each of their last three H2Hs in the EFL Championship, before which Watford had won three on the trot. The Canaries have scored four goals in two of their last three wins.
England Championship 01/02/25
Watford
Norwich
England Championship 21/09/24
Norwich
Watford
England Championship 13/02/24
Norwich
Watford
England Championship 28/11/23
Watford
Norwich
England Championship 02/01/23
Norwich
Watford
Watford preview: Fully fit
Pezzolano has no injuries or suspension worries to deal with.
Predicted lineup: Selvik (GK), Bola, Abankwah, Keben, Ngakia, Kyprianou, Kayembe, Sissoko, Doumbia, Kjerrumgaard & Irankunda
England Championship 03/05/25
D
Sheff Wed
1
Watford
1
England Championship 26/04/25
L
Blackburn
2
Watford
1
England Championship 21/04/25
L
Portsmouth
1
Watford
0
England Championship 18/04/25
L
Burnley
2
Watford
1
England Championship 12/04/25
L
West Brom
2
Watford
1
Norwich preview: Full strength
Manning has a fully fit available at his disposal as they travel to Watford.
Predicted lineup: Kovacevic (GK), Medic, Darling, Cordoba; Stacey, Wright, Fisher, Schlupp, Nunez, Crnac & Sargent
England Championship 03/05/25
W
Cardiff
2
Norwich
4
England Championship 26/04/25
D
Middlesbrough
0
Norwich
0
England Championship 21/04/25
L
Millwall
3
Norwich
1
England Championship 18/04/25
L
Portsmouth
5
Norwich
3
England Championship 11/04/25
L
Burnley
2
Norwich
1
Player to watch: Nestory Irankunda
The Australia international made his competitive debut for Watford in their opening Championship matchday loss to Charlton. He will perhaps be granted a starting berth in this significant first-round fixture in the EFL Cup. The 19-year-old spent last season on loan at Grasshopper Club Zurich from Bayern Munich U19, and could very well get rolling in his English football journey against Norwich City.