Watford hosts Birmingham City at Vicarage Road on New Year's Day in the Championship, with both teams aiming to improve their standings. Watford, currently in sixth place, has been in excellent form, unbeaten in their last nine matches and on a six-game winning streak at home, including a dominant record against Birmingham, winning their last six home matches against them with a combined score of 12-0. They recently beat Norwich City 1-0, maintaining a strong momentum. Birmingham, struggling with injuries, suspensions, and poor away form, has not won in their last six away games and has only managed three points from their last 18 available. They drew their last home match against Southampton but have been winless on the road since December. Key players like Mamadou Doumbia (on Africa Cup of Nations duty) are absent for Watford, while Birmingham's Tommy Doyle and Christoph Klarer are suspended. Birmingham may have a boost with Alex Cochrane returning from injury, but star attacker Demarai Gray is likely out with a calf injury. Based on recent performances and squad availability, Watford is favored to secure a 1-0 victory, continuing their unbeaten run at Vicarage Road.