On Sky
The Hornets host Aitor Karanka’s Middlesbrough on Easter Monday in the early kick off in the Championship. Middlesbrough sit at the top of the league, but Watford are just two points behind them in fourth, and so this is a very important game that could mean the difference between an automatic promotion place and a play-offs finish.
The Teesside club are expected to bring over 2,000 fans – an excellent showing considering the fact that the round trip is just under 500 miles and the game will kick off just after midday. The home sections are all but sold out, with regular season ticket holders being urged to come forward and make the club aware if they are not able to attend, so that their seat may be sold to another supporter, with the proceeds going to charity.
Both Watford and Middlesbrough are on a good run of form, though Watford have faltered somewhat against the top teams across the last few games and the season as a whole. The Hornets’ previous two games have yielded just one point, although this was a hard-earned point gained at Derby despite being down to 10 men for the majority of the match. Regardless, Watford’s record against the top eight sides does not make for pleasant reading, and Jokanovic will be hoping to turn that trend around tomorrow.
Karanka’s Middlesbrough are fresh off the back of a cagey 1-0 win against strugglers Wigan Athletic, and will look to strengthen their place at the top of the Championship. A solid defence has been the backbone of the north east club’s success, with the least goals conceded in the division so far.
Vital Quotes:
Aitor Karanka:
Boro`s Head Coach looks back on last October’s meeting between the two clubs, saying that he believes that the opening 45 minutes of that game was the best his team have played all season, despite the game ending in a draw.
“It was a game we should have won, but it was the best half that we have played all season.
“Monday will be difficult. They are having a good season. They have good players, particularly up-front.
“They have a good manager and a good team and it was important we won against Wigan on Friday.
“This game is very important. You don`t want to lose because if you don`t it`s three points they don`t have which is just as important now.
“Our performances weren’t good over a period because we had a lot of games and no time to prepare. Now we are fresh.
“We’ve had two good weeks which were important and now we will go to Watford feeling good.
“I made a mistake when I thought it would be Derby Bournemouth and us fighting it out at the top.
“We are in a very good position but we have six games now which are very important.”
Read more at mfc.co.uk.
Watford Team News:
Midfielder Almen Abdi is doubtful as he returns from a hamstring injury. He will face a late assessment ahead of the match.
Fernando Forestieri is out of contention following a knee injury sustained in training.
Joel Ekstrand and Sean Murray will both miss out for the rest of the season with knee injuries.
Defender Marco Motta will watch this game from the stands following his red card at Derby on Good Friday.
Player to watch: Adlene Guedioura
Although he is likely to be fatigued from his energetic performance at the iPro on Friday night, Geudioura is in fine form right now, and if he is fit enough to play and starts off in the same manner that he finished the Derby match, he will be influential in unlocking a stubborn Middlesbrough defence.
A knack for keeping hold of the ball and opening up play with his running through the middle, he is also perhaps due a goal about now…
Middlesbrough Team News:
New signings Fernando Amorebieta and Dwight Tiendalli are available and may be handed their debuts at Vicarage Road.
Ryan Fredericks (hamstring) and Daniel Ayala (thigh) are ruled out.
Player to watch: Patrick Bamford
The young Chelsea loanee has 17 goals for the season now, after slotting home the winner on Friday against Wigan.
A player with an eye for goal, his movement and ability to finish will be a threat to Watford’s ever so slightly leaky defence.
Match Facts & Stats
Middlesbrough have won only one of their last six away games in all competitions. Their only win on the road since 10 February was 1-0 at fellow promotion chasers Derby on 17 March.
The earlier meeting between Watford and Middlesbrough this season ended as a 1-1 draw at the Riverside Stadium in October.
Watford are unbeaten in the last four meetings between the two sides, winning two.
Middlesbrough’s last win between the two sides was 2-1 at Vicarage Road in October 2012.
Watford have won three of the last four meetings between the two sides at Vicarage Road, losing the other.
Next Fixtures:
Millwall (Away) Saturday 11 April 2015
