Bristol City vs Watford Preview & Prediction | 2025-26 English FA Cup | Third Round

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We have an all-Championship affair at Ashton Gate between two teams that are pushing for a playoff berth as Bristol City face Watford in the FA Cup third round.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+

How to watch online: UK – discovery+ / USA – ESPN+

Bristol City vs Watford prediction

Gerhard Struber’s Bristol City have started 2026 with an impressive thumping of Portsmouth by five goals to nil before suffering a 2-0 loss at home to Preston North End just a few days’ later. That has left the Robins sitting a couple of points outside of the top six and the playoff places in the Championship.

The team that is in sixth position in the second division are indeed their upcoming opponents, Watford. The Hornets have been much-improved since the return of Javi Gracia and Watford’s 3-0 hammering of Birmingham City on New Year’s Day extended their winning streak to four matches.

Watford have discovered some excellent form and have reached the FA Cup final under Javi Gracia in the past so siding with them would appear the way to go for this one.

Bristol City vs Watford tip: Double chance – Watford to win or draw