It’s a second away game on the bounce for Malky Mackay’s young squad as the Hornets head to east Anglia to take on Roy Keane’s straggling Ipswich Town side.
The Tractor Boys remain footed to the foot of the table twelve games and no wins in. Keane’s side threw away an early lead at home to Swansea on Saturday and will look for better in what could be a banana skin for the Golden Boys.
Vital Quotes:
Malky Mackay on Tom Cleverley
“He has been fantastic in terms of his professionalism and his work rate and the way he has applied himself at the club speaks volumes of him and the club he comes from.
“The lad himself is different class in terms of his love for football and the way he has applied himself and integrated into the group.
“He and a lot of youngsters out there are applying themselves well in training every day as well as games and I don`t think you can turn the tap on and off, so it is about how you do in training every day.”
Ipswich Town Team News:
Roy Keane has no new injury concerns and could welcome Alex Bruce back into the side. The former Brum defender was on the bench on Saturday and could replace youngster Tommy Smith, no relation to our former striker [!], at centre half. Jonathan Walters will keep the captaincy if not, whilst Carlos Edwards may return from the bench.
Likely Lineup
Begovic
Wright McAuley Bruce (c) Rosenior
Edwards Leadbitter Trotter Quinn
Walters Counago
Player to watch: Jonathan Walters:
A free scoring midfielder, Birkenhead-born Walters scored thirteen goals from midfield for the Tractor Boys in his first full season in 2007/2008 – a major factor in the Blues stunning home form. Pacey and powerful he looks set to lead the line with Spaniard Pablo Counago.
Watford Team News:
Watford look set to welcome back Heidar Helguson after the best part of a month out with a calf problem sustained on his second debut against Leicester.
Likely Lineup
Loach
Hodson Mariappa (c) Cathcart Doyley
Cowie Eustace Jenkins Harley
Lansbury
Graham
John Eustace is fit again after injury at the weekend whilst their is no news on either Richard Lee or Jonathan North meaning Jonathan Bond could be on the bench again.
Jay DeMerit is defnitly out after eye surgery and Tom Cleverley has a knock.
Player to watch: Danny Graham:
Failed to score at the weekend for a fourth successive game, but the Hornet’s six-goal top-scorer made the winner for loanee Tom Cleverley on his return to the Riverside.
Match Facts & Stats
Included in Ipswich’s ranks is likely to be Hungarian Striker Tamas Priskin who left the Hornet’s over the Summer for a fee of £1.6million. Having scored fifteen last season the striker has struggled at Town with just one goal.
Ref Watch:
Mr Trevor Kettle
Match Prediction:
More misery for Ipswich Town as Malky’s young charges claim a second invaluable away win on the bounce.
Next Fixtures:
Sheffield Wednesday at home this Friday night thanks to the good people at Sky!
