Slavisa Jokanovic’s men travel south of the Thames today to play a Millwall side whose days in the Championship appear to be numbered. A fully fit Almen Abdi and the relentless form of league leaders Bournemouth are two talking points amongst Watford fans ahead of the game.
Abdi, whose early goal against Reading a few weeks ago was his only contribution to the game as he was subbed within ten minutes with a hamstring injury, is now back to full fitness according to the club, and could play a big part in today’s match. The influential midfielder has been plagued by injury the past couple of seasons, and his return to fitness will be good news for Hornets fans.
Bournemouth once again took three points in their last game, away at Brighton last night, and so they now have a gap of four points to Watford and Norwich, who sit in 3rd and 2nd respectively, with Norwich ahead on goal difference.
With four games to go for the Cherries, all against opposition that appear to have little to play for, Hornets fans are beginning to entertain the thought of missing out on automatic promotion on goal difference. Should the top three win all their remaining games, this is a distinct possibility.
Such thoughts are premature however, as rarely do the final run-ins go to form. Watford fans may wish to cast their minds back to two seasons ago, where a dramatic final day saw Hull go up in second place despite a difficult result against Cardiff, with the top teams dropping points left right and centre in the final games.
Jokanovic himself has warned against any kind of arrogance ahead of today’s match, and the fans should take note as much as the players, as the run-in is sure to have some more twists and turns before the final whistle on the final day.
Vital Quotes:
Slavisa Jokanovic:
“I expect Millwall will be motivated. They are a very aggressive team and have great team spirit and I believe they will be fighting because they need to win games to stay in the division.
“If we are arrogant in this match we will be in big trouble.”
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‘We can push a bit more – I know this is possible. I have to be happy at this moment but we still have space to improve – and this can be good for us.
‘This competition is complicated. I don’t remember one like this in 20 years in football. Many teams have an opportunity so these last five games are very interesting.
‘[Millwall] have a great chance, which they have earned with one three points in the last match. They will put 100 per cent onto the pitch, this is certain.
‘If we are even a little bit arrogant, and play without any humility or solidarity, then I can expect many problems in this stadium.
‘It is important that we focus on what is in front of us; to recognise that what has gone before now does not matter and to give Millwall our full attention is the only thing that matters.
‘It’s very important that we concentrate on the things that have got us to this point; to learn from something that didn’t go so well and to use everything we can to improve.
‘This is our only choice; we must be ready to fight for three points five times more this season.
‘I don’t know what will happen in the next month. But I am certain that this team will be prepared and will be doing whatever it can to be successful.
‘The supporters know what part they have to play as part of this team. I expect them to be loud again at Millwall for us.’
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Neil Harris:
‘I’m not setting any sort of points target that I think we will need to stay up because all we are concerned about is trying to win the next game, which in this case is Watford.
‘They are a really good side and will provide us with our biggest test so far. We are improving, though, and Saturday’s game is a challenge the team are looking forward to.’
Read more here.
Millwall Team News:
Wingers Paris Cowan-Hall and Lee Martin, who have overcome ankle and foot injuries respectively, are back in training and are expected to be the subject of late fitness tests ahead of today’s game.
Nicky Bailey is also back involved after injury has seen him have a spell on the sidelines recently. He will likely be in the squad.
Carlos Edwards is out with a knee injury.
Player to watch: Martin Woolford
Woolford opened the scoring against Watford at Vicarage Road back in November of last year, and although the Lions have struggled most of the season, Woolford is a player that can make things happen.
Watford Team News:
As previously mentioned, Almen Abdi is back to full fitness after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained at home to Reading.
Craig Catchcart was withdrawn early last time out against Middlesbrough, and his calf problem may rule him out today. He is likely to face a late fitness test to see of he can play a part in the match.
Fernando Forestieri is still out with a knee injury that was picked up in training prior to the Derby game on Good Friday.
Sean Murray and Joel Ekstrand are both long-term absentees with knee injuries keeping them out of contention.
Player to watch: Troy Deeney
The March Sky Bet Player of the Month is in fine form, and will lead the line against the Lions today.
His power, pace, and work rate for the team is unmatched, and he will be looking to add to his already impressive tally of 20 goals for the season so far.
Ref Watch
Find out about today’s referee here.
Stats
The Lions won their last game 2-1 against Charlton at home on 3 April – their first win in 10 games.
That win against Charlton was also their first in 14 home games in all competitions, since they won 1-0 against Cardiff in the Championship on 25 October.
The Hornets have lost only one of their last nine games. Their only defeat since 21 February was 1-0 against Ipswich at home on 21 March.
They are unbeaten in their last six away games, winning four. Their last defeat on the road was 2-0 at Bournemouth on 30 January.
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