Watford broke their four-game losing streak to keep alive their play-off hopes with a 3-1 win against Bristol City at Vicarage Road. With this result, Watford remain in 12th position - three points ahead of Swansea and West Brom - while Bristol City drop down to 14th spot.

The Robins have struggled, winning only one of their last eight matches since losing to Coventry and Middlesbrough before this encounter.

Goals from Ismaila Sarr and Joao Pedro

Joao Pedro struck twice before and after halftime for Watford to keep their play-off hopes alive, while Ismaila Sarr and Ken Sema also helped Watford keep alive their dream. Watford won for only the second time since 1981 against Blackburn Rovers; their success also put them within one point of second-placed Bristol City.

The Hornets may have made light of Troy Deeney's recent Achilles injury, yet remain one of the premier teams in their division. Over their past five games they've scored seven goals - giving their confidence a massive boost.

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Ismaila Sarr's pace and ability to turn opponents inside out make him an effective attacking weapon. While he was unavailable for Watford's previous match against Birmingham City due to interest, he is expected to return for Saturday's encounter against PNE.

Although he has yet to start any games this season, he should make an impactful contribution once fully fit again. It may take him some time before breaking into the starting eleven but Watford should look towards him as another viable option at some point this season.

Bristol City’s stuttering start to the season

The Robins have endured an inauspicious start to the 2022/23 campaign, drawing two consecutive draws against Sunderland and Luton to remain just two points above relegation zone. Additionally, top scorer Famara Diedhiou was banned for six games for spitting at the weekend, leaving her without her usual support in attack.

Still, they boast an extremely strong side at present with nine new signings - such as Jack Marriott and Duane Holmes who both made their league debuts recently - along with Mason Mount, Fikayo Tomori, and Harry Wilson whose performances have impressed.

At Bristol City this weekend, Cardiff are hoping to keep their play-off hopes alive by defeating them and extend their win streak against them to four out of six matches versus them.

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Watford’s recent form

Watford kept their play-off hopes alive with a dramatic comeback win against Bristol City at Vicarage Road on Wednesday, thanks to two Joao Pedro goals which proved decisive as Chris Wilder's side made light of their poor recent form and secured a key three points at Vicarage Road.

After six minutes, a low cross-shot from Pedro found its way into Cornick's net. Due to an unfortunate mistake by Max O'Leary's goalkeeper Max O'Leary, another effort from Pedro managed to go straight at him and find its way into Cornick's bottom corner.

Watford only made their presence felt after Almen Abdi took advantage of a leaky City defense to score, the Hornets raced into a 2-0 lead and Tranmere responded by scoring one themselves.

Watford’s position in the play-offs

Watford have closed in on the Championship play-offs with three points after defeating Bristol City by 2-0, taking one step closer. Their victory saw them leapfrog Burnley and move into fifth, ahead of Sunderland and Millwall by one place.

At this early stage, it appears as though the Hornets must win four to five of their final six games to guarantee a place among the top six for next season. That may prove challenging but achievable.

Hornets must make use of their excellent home form before the season's conclusion, with their last home game producing an emphatic 3-0 victory against Birmingham City which helped propel them into the top ten and vault them further up the table.

Watford have endured an inauspicious start to their season, initially faltering before losing six out of their initial seven matches and four of their next six contests. Now facing Bristol City as they try and keep alive their play-off chances.