After the dissapointment of the narrow defeat by Wolves, it’s straight back into the thick of things for Watford who take on Preston.
The Lilywhites aren’t having a great time of it at the moment themselves, with no wins in seven. Watford started the month with victory over Alan Irvine’s side, can they end it the same way?
Predicted Line-ups:
Watford
4-3-1-2
Lee
Doyley Ward Bromby Sadler
O’Toole Eustace (c) Harley
Smith
Hoskins Rasiak
PNE
4-4-2
Lonergan
St Ledger Brown Mawene McEveley
Sedgwick McKenna (c) Nicholson Chaplow Wallace
Elliott Parkin
Preston North End Team News:
Preston have captured Wayne Brown on loan to bolster their defensive options. The former Hornet moves from Prem new boys Hull City on a emergency loan switch.
Meanwhile, Sean St Ledger and Neil Mellor have both signed new deals, but it looks like the latter will celebrate from the bench on Tuesday with Parkin and Elliott preferred.
Finally, Michael Hart looks likely to miss out through injury as does Neil Trotman. Ross Wallace is likely to start on the left ahead of Darren Carter.
Player to watch: Stephen Elliott
The Republic of Ireland international recently snatched his first goal since joining on loan from Wolves.
On his day, the former Sunderland man can be counted amongst the best forwards in the division as he proved whilst at The Stadium of Light alongside another former Mackem, at PNE, Chris Brown.
Watford Team News:
Grzeogrz Rasiak is virtually fully fit and will start up top with Will Hoskins, whilst Jobi McAnuff is fit, but looks like he’ll have to be content with benching it.
Lee Williamson’s presence is probably 50/50, but with O’Toole-Eustace-Harley on form, it looks likely he’ll miss out either way.
And finally, Jay DeMerit looks set to miss another game meaning Darren Ward returns alongside Leigh Bromby. Aidy Mariappa should drop out.
Player to watch: Grzegorz Rasiak
Scored the first of what will hopefully be many at the weekend. His presence is enough to put defenders off, whilst his touch and ability to bring others into play will prove invaluable to the Hornets attacking players.
Did you know?
Watford have never beaten Preston away under Aidy Boothroyd. The record reads:
Played: 2
Won: 0
Drawn: 1
Lost: 1
Goals: 1
Against: 3
Match Prediction:
Preston 1-1 Watford
Two teams short of form, and scrapping hard for a share of the spoils.
Next Fixture:
1.11.08 @ Vicarage Road
WATFORD – Blackpool
