Match Day Thread STOKE CITY v WATFORD

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oldfrenchhorn

oldfrenchhorn

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Jan 25, 2011
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STOKE CITY v WATFORD
bet365 Stadium
Sunday 2nd October 2022
Kick Off : 1200 BST

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When Rob Edwards was removed as Watford head coach after just 11 games earlier this week, few people were overly surprised, but that did not take away from the decision being widely condemned by supporters and social media alike.

Although Edwards had won just three times in 11 outings, the Englishman had also suffered just three defeats in all competitions, Watford being one point adrift of the playoff places.

Nevertheless, the Hornets will now move forward under Bilic, who returns to English football after his previous spells with West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion.

Watford head into the contest having prevailed in just one of their last seven league fixtures, their most recent outing with Sunderland ending in a 2-2 draw.

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Bilic is not the only new manager on show at the bet365 Stadium with Alex Neil just four fixtures into his reign at Stoke.

Five points have been collected from a possible 12, the Potters heading into the international break with a goalless draw at Queens Park Rangers.

Stoke have now kept two clean sheets in succession, and Neil will be encouraged that just three goals have been conceded in their most recent five outings.

Team News

None at present. We await news of the fitness of players who have been away with their countries.

Our Officials

JOSH SMITH
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Matthew Jones and Akil Howson
Fourth Official : James Bell



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João Pedro’s status is 50/50 ahead of the trip north, as he currently nurses a minor calf injury. The Head Coach described his situation as “just a matter of days”.

William Troost-Ekong was forced off the pitch with a hamstring injury whilst representing Nigeria last week, and is aiming for a mid-October return.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Ngakia is making good progress on his hamstring injury, but won’t be rushed back to action.

Having sustained a lateral collateral ligament injury in August, midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru’s rehabilitation is going well, with the 23-year-old training individually outside.

The Hornets’ medical staff remain cautious with Tom Cleverley’s return to the squad, with a couple of weeks to wait before the club captain can return from an achilles injury.
 
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It sounds as though Stoke have lots of injury doubts. Alex Neil refused to discuss who might be available in his press conference.
 
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I am sure the defence and players in general will be told in no uncertain terms they need to improve by a very experienced international defender and manager . But will they listen or care ?
 
I was trying to work out the formation. The WO has been at it as well. "It looks to be four at the back for the Hornets but it will be interesting to see their shape in midfield and up front. 4-3-3, 4-4-2, 4-5-1 or another variation are all possible." Wait and see I guess.
 
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