Sheffield Wednesday vs Watford preview: How to watch, kick-off time, team news, predicted lineups and ones to watch

Sheffield Wednesday made their opening day EFL Championship fixture a day to remember, beating Cardiff City 2-0 in South Wales. A goal each for striking pair Josh Windass and Jordan Rhodes ensured the Yorkshire side put their 12 point deduction disappointment behind them, and started the season on a positive note.

Watford began their quest to return to the Premier League with a 1-0 home victory over Middlesbrough. Veteran defender Craig Cathcart provided the winning moment, ensuring the Hornets began their campaign with the perfect start.

Ones to watch

Wednesday forward Jordan Rhodes could lead the line for the Owls, looking to add to his opening day strike. Rhodes' partner Josh Windass has also contributed four goals in 11 games since his signing, and can augment a threatening Owls' attack.

Watford's side is largely unchanged from the team relegated from the Premier League last season. The Hornets picked up free agent Jeremy Ngakia after he was released by West Ham United. The young right back impressed in his limited first team opportunities last season at the London Stadium, and may thrive in the first team at a top EFL Championship side.

Previous meeting

The sides have not met in five years, with their last meeting ending in a 1-1 draw on the final day of the 2014/15 EFL Championship season. An early Matej Vydra goal was cancelled out by a last minute Atdhe Nuhiu strike, as Watford clinched automatic promotion.

Team news

Both sides have numerous absentees, as Wednesday have centre half Che Dunkley still out with a broken leg, and young defender Osaze Urhoghide remains a long term injury worry.

Watford have multiple injury concerns, with Gerard Delofeu and Daryl Janmaat out with knee injuries. Etienne Capoue, Danny Welbeck and Will Hughes remain sidelined with continuing problems, whilst Isaac Success is out with an achilles issue.

Predicted lineups

Sheffield Wednesday (3-4-1-2): Dawson, Van Aken, Lees, Iorfa, Penney, Bannan, Luongo, Harris, Brown, Windass, Rhodes.

Watford (5-4-1): Foster, Kiko, Wilmot, Kabasele, Cathcart, Ngakia, Sema, Chalobah, Cleverley, Quina, Pedro.

Manager comments

Garry Monk was grateful for the wealth of options at his disposal as he made 11 first team changes for his side's midweek cup victory over Rochdale:

"I made 11 changes but apart from a couple they were all first-team players, it's a first-team squad so in terms of changes I had no worries.

"I had to be very mindful of the energy we used on Saturday and the fact it was important to get minutes into these players because the squad is going to be needed."

Following their opening day win against Middlesbrough, Watford boss Vladimir Ivic looked to areas his side could improve on for forthcoming matches:

"It is a good start, a clean sheet and we won the game so we can be satisfied with the result and the three points.

"I believe that we didn't do good things in our attacking moments, we didn't play very well with the ball, we have to work a lot to improve this part of the game.

"There wasn't enough time to work and improve, especially in this attacking part, we need to be much better."