Bristol City host fellow Sky Bet Championship side Watford in the Emirates FA Cup Third Round at Ashton Gate on Saturday, January 10th (5:45pm).
For the second time this season the two sides will go head-to-head, but this time a place in the next round of the cup is up for grabs.
Scott Twine helped City claim a point at the Hornets in early November, cancelling out Marc Bola’s early goal.
The Robins have won one and lost one since the New Year, comfortably beating Portsmouth on New Year’s Day before suffering a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Preston North End.
Sam Bell has returned to BS3 from his loan spell at Wycombe Wanderers, while Ross McCrorie will be unavailable as he serves the first of a three-match suspension.
With back-to-back league away games forthcoming, Gerhard Struber will want to regain momentum and return to winning ways.
Last season, City hosted Premier League side Wolves at the same stage of the competition, suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat, exiting the cup.
City’s captain Jason Knight says his side will play with ‘full confidence’ as they target a place in the Fourth Round.
Our Opponents: Watford
Saturday’s visitors head to BS3 in an impressive run of form, suffering just one defeat since November 1st – an impressive 13 league games.
Earlier in the season, the Hornets were a less consistent outfit, losing five, winning four and drawing three of their previous 12 fixtures.
A change in Head Coach coincided with their change in form as Watford parted ways with Paulo Pezzolano and appointed Javi Gracia.
Gracia managed Watford between 2018-2019 and guided them to an 11th-place finish in the Premier League and to the Emirates FA Cup final – a feat they are surely targeting once again.
Watford have won their last four games, scored seven goals and kept three clean sheets.
Luca Kjerrumgaard and Imran Louza lead their side in goals scored, while Tom Ince’s hat-trick in their most recent game and win over Birmingham City will fill him with confidence.
Currently sixth in the Sky Bet Championship, Gracia’s side are fresher than most, having not played since New Year’s Day after their clash with Hull City was postponed.
WATFORD PROFILE
Formed: 1881
Stadium: Vicarage Road
Nickname: The Hornets
Manager: Javi Gracia
Finish last season: 14th
MATCH DETAILS
When: Saturday, January 10th (5:45pm)
Where: Ashton Gate
Competition: Emirates FA Cup
Referee: Tom Reeves
Assistant Referees: Michael Webb & Jonathon Block
Fourth Official: Ben Atkinson
ONE TO WATCH: OTHMANE MAAMMA
Born in 2005, Frenchman Othmane Maamma began his career at French side Arles before moving to Montpellier.
Maamma appeared for Montpellier’s youth side and made his debut as a substitute in May 2024.
At 18 years old, the attacker scored on his first start, helping his side to a 2-2 draw against Lens.
Internationally, the winger has represented Morocco at Under-20s and made his debut against England in a friendly fixture.
In October 2025, the young star helped Morocco to win the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, scoring four goals and assisting once, earning him the Golden Ball award for the tournament.
Watford secured his talents in July 2025 and, since arriving at Vicarage Road, has made 12 appearances and scored three goals.
MATCH REWIND
Result: Bristol City 2-1 Watford
When: 05.04.2025
Competition: Sky Bet Championship
HEAD-TO-HEAD: BRISTOL CITY VS WATFORD
Matches won: 39
Matches drawn: 33
Matches lost: 32
Biggest win: Bristol City 5-0 Watford: September 4th, 1926
Most recent game: Watford 1-1 Bristol City: November 11th, 2025