Leeds United may have lost in the FA Cup over the weekend but their last defeat in the Championship was back in November, some 13 league fixtures ago.

The Whites have kept clean sheets in nine of those outings, including each of the last five. It has been five weeks since the team last shipped a goal in the Championship.

So, despite the result against Millwall, Leeds will head to Vicarage Road with confidence and expectation. United have scored in all but one of their last six away trips, with a combined goal tally of nine. Watford, meanwhile, have not kept a clean sheet at home since November.

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Chance to pressurise

Leeds have the opportunity to open up a five-point gap to second-placed Sheffield United with a win on Tuesday. The Blades do not play until Wednesday, with the tricky Middlesbrough set to visit Bramall Lane.

Opening up the gap would pile the pressure on Chris Wilder and his side to get three points - as it would even more so for Burnley and Scott Parker. A win for Leeds would see the gap the third place stretch to eight points ahead of the Clarets hosting Hull City on Wednesday.

Given Leeds have lost just three of their 31 Championship games this season, a scenario where United win and their promotion rivals lose would create a huge advantage for Daniel Farke’s side. They have dropped points in just 12 of their 31 matches - keep that ratio going and the only way is up.

Strongest team

United fans travelling down to Watford may see Daniel Farke field his strongest XI. With Pascal Struijk back from injury and Joe Rodon fine to play despite sitting out the defeat to Millwall, Ethan Ampadu can push forward into midfield.

Junior Firpo has returned from his foot setback and has kept a clean sheet in both league games he has started since - also grabbing three assists against Cardiff City. With all other key players fit, Leeds might well field their strongest XI against Watford.

Illan Meslier looks back to peak form following his two terrific saves at Coventry City while Joel Piroe has netted three goals in his last two starts. Leeds are looking healthy.

Roadtrip results

It has been more than a month since Leeds recorded back-to-back away wins, partly due to the scheduling but also due to draws against Hull City and Burnley. United rounded off 2024 with three points against Stoke City and then Derby County in the final two matches of the year.

Leeds have played three away games since then, the 2-0 win over Coventry last week the only win out of the lot. Several managers have branded Elland Road as the hardest Championship ground to visit this season but Farke will know the away form is just as important.

In fact, wins on the road send a stronger message - we can win anywhere against anyone. To get three points at Watford while Sheffield United and Burnley fail to win at home would be a major statement.

Recent record vs Watford

It’s very rosy. United have won four out of their five fixtures against the Hornets, although that draw last March stung Leeds a lot.

It was one of the several hurdles they tripped over during the run-in when gunning for a top two spot last term. After the result against Watford, United won just two of their remaining seven games and finished six points off the automatic spots.

Many of that squad still remain and the memory of last year will be sore given what unfolded in the games afterwards. So there is a score to settle at Vicarage Road.