Barnet face Watford in pre-season clash at The Hive

Barnet will welcome Watford to The Hive on Tuesday night as both clubs step up their pre-season preparations. The match was moved forward 24 hours to avoid clashing with the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina.

Barnet go into the game on the back of back-to-back friendly wins - a 2-0 victory over Hitchin Town followed by a 2-1 triumph at Hemel Hempstead on Saturday. Dean Brennan’s side has already added nine new faces this summer, including Swindon Town centre-back Will Wright and Walsall midfielder Charlie Lakin. With an eighth-placed finish last season in League Two, the Bees are targeting a playoff push and these early wins have injected optimism around the club. League standing: 8th in England League Two, 76 pts, 21W-13D-12L from 46 games, recent form WWWWW.

What’s the context for Watford?

Alessio Dionisi’s Watford have started pre-season with a 2-1 defeat to National League side Boreham Wood. The Hornets have won less than 40% of their games in four of the Italian’s last five managerial spells, and another poor showing would heap more pressure on his tenure. Watford have been quiet in the transfer market so far, with Omar Toure’s move from Udinese expected to be their first addition in the coming days. The club also needs a replacement for Georgian playmaker Giorgi Chakvetadze, who left for Udinese - another Pozzo family-owned club.

Who could start for Barnet?

Four trialists featured for Barnet at the weekend, and Dean Brennan may continue that trend against Watford. Goalkeeper Taye Ashby-Hammond is in line to start, while Charlie Lakin and Kabongo Tshimanga could also make the first XI. The Bees’ possible starting lineup: Ashby-Hammond; Liwala, Wright, Richards, Matejko, Lakin, Talwar, Siaw, Knowles, Tshimanga, Maskell.

What’s the likely outcome?

Watford are expected to edge past Barnet in what is effectively a pre-season dress rehearsal. Despite their opening friendly loss, the Hornets are tipped to improve against lower-level opposition. Last result: Harrogate Town 1-2 Barnet (2026-05-02). Recent form (last 5): 5W-0D-0L (WWWWW, most recent first); on a 5-game winning run.

Barnet’s recent form and home advantage give them a chance, but Watford’s Championship pedigree and squad depth make them slight favourites. Goals this season: 70 scored, 53 conceded (+17 goal difference). Title race: 11 points behind leaders Bromley.