On the back of an excellent return from last weeks treble, Watford head up to misfiring West Brom who have not had the best of it in the last few weeks drawing a blank against Coventry and losing to Swansea, they did however manage to stuff Reading 3-1.
Vital Quote:
Malky Mackay:
‘The staff are absolutely delighted with the players’ effort and application,’ said Mackay.
‘They had the courage to go to these places and then come back home and put in a performance.
‘We had a lot of travelling. we’ve got a small squad and had a couple of injuries but they came out of the week great.’
West Bromwich Albion Team News:
Roberto di Matteo should be able to welcome back winger Chris Brunt and Czech striker, Roman Bednar. The latter trapped a nerve against Reading and Ulsterman Brunt has had a calf problem.
Yussef Mulumbu is however out due to kne ligament problems. Ishmael Miller, James Morrison and Neil Clement are all long term absentees.
Youngster Chris Wood and potential Hornet’s target Simon Cox partnered up front together in a midweek reserve match and will look to keep Luke Moore and Bednar out the side on Saturday.
Likely Lineup
Carson (c)
Jara Meite Olsson Mattock
Zuiverloon Koren Dorrans Thomas
Wood Cox
Player to watch: JeromeThomas:
After making only two sub appearances for crisis club Portsmoth last season, Thomas has re-found his best form with Di Matteo’s side. Signed on a free over the Summer, the former Arsenal and Charlton winger has bagged three from five starts, even with a three match ban earlier in the season.
Thomas will give young Lee Hodson a very difficult afternoon at the Hawthorns with his direct nature, pace and trickery.
Watford Team News:
Watford look set to finally welcome back Icelandic hitman, Heidar Helguson. A place on the bench looks most likely for the Hornet’s legend with Danny Graham supported by Henri Lansbury.
Ross Jenkins is out due to a back problem which saw him substituted just eighteen minutes into the trouncing of Sheffield Wednesday. Scott Severin could come in for the youngster.
Likely Lineup
Loach
Hodson Mariappa (c) Cathcart Doyley
Cleverley Cowie Eustace Harley
Lansbury
Graham
Player to watch: Henri Lansbury
After a couple of below-par performances the Arsenal loanee roared back into life against Sheffield Wednesday with two superb goals, his first for the Hornet’s since arriving in the Summer.
Match Facts & Stats:
TEAM-W-D-L-F-A-PTS
WBA-7-4-3-24-13-25
WATFORD-5-6-3-22-21-21
Ref Watch:
Mr Nigel Miller
Match Prediction:
A hard, hard tie for the Hornet’s, but having said that going up to Middlesbrough, who knows – maybe the ‘Orns can grab another three shock points.
Next up for the ‘Orns:
November 7th, PNE at home.
