After a bumpy start Suffolk got us off to an amazing run of 9 games unbeaten accumulating an impressive 25 points from a possible 30 , but game 13 ended that juggernaut. This sets the season up nicely with the top 3 on equal results with only goal difference separating them . Depending on results on Saturday the top 7 could all switch positions. Watford are one of my least favourite clubs due to their franchise status , hire em fire em manager recruitment and their style of play. On the few occasions I watched them this season they look more like a basketball team with most of the players well over six feet tall with lots of crosses into the box . Despite our league position performances have been disjointed and frankly boring to watch . Most games settled by mistakes rather than swashbuckling brilliance and the standard at this level seems light years from the Premier league. A win could take us top depending on results but we could sink as low as 4th and get caught up in the chasing pack if we don't. Our star player and fans favourite Hayden has yet to feature but may be close to making his debut and we still have all manner of problems at left back . Pretty sure the fickle hand of fate always gives me Watford in the match day threads over the last few seasons and I've lost both , so here's hoping lady luck is smiling this time round Team news to follow . City bid to bounce back from a first home defeat of the league season in a error-strewn 3-2 loss to Preston. Smith reported no fresh fitness issues from those who featured against North End. Full back Sam Byram was withdrawn at half-time with a hip problem, but has trained this week and is available. Todd Cantwell (quad) and Isaac Hayden (knee) have also trained this week after taking part in a post-match full contact mini practice game on the Carrow Road pitch after last Saturday's defeat. Cantwell has missed the last three league games while Hayden is yet to make a competitive appearance for the club since his summer loan move from Newcastle. I don't know much about the hornets but this from their BBC page which sums them up .
What? No 'content to follow'? Great Match post Dunc! From today's presser: DS: “I looked at the Premier League and felt we couldn’t out-football any teams. In the Championship I feel we can out-football anyone.” Certain logic problem there considering that Watford and Burnley were both in the PL with us. Injury news: Sam Byram (hip) fit. Withdrawn at half-time of the Preston defeat. Todd Cantwell (quad) trained all week. Sat out the Preston loss after a return to training. Smith opted not to include him in his matchday squad. Missed the last three games. Isaac Hayden (knee) trained this week. Took part in a post-Preston full contact training session on the Carrow Road pitch. Smith not putting a timeline on his return. Still working with the rehab team. Revealed last week parent club Newcastle United had flagged up an 'effusion' (swelling) after a check up with the player. Ruled out since pre-season after a minor op to 'clean out' a knee issue. Dimi Giannoulis (ankle ligaments) should rejoin training next week. Did not take part in the post-Preston training game on the Carrow Road pitch. Still with the rehab team. Injured in the opening Championship home draw against Wigan. Adam Idah (knee) ruled out for a 'number of weeks' after operation Smith labelled 'exploratory' earlier this month. Previously had some fluid taken out of his knee earlier this season, after a knee problem curtailed his Premier League season in February. Jonathan Rowe (shin). Stress-related injury. Still training inside and with the rehab team. Smith originally indicated will be a 'number of games' he misses. But would not put a specific timescale on it. Jacob Sorensen (foot) stress fracture. Smith reported last week he is still in a protective boot. Injured in the second half of Norwich City's Championship defeat at Hull City in August. Sam McCallum (foot) out until after the World Cup (December). Had surgery on a metatarsal injury August 11.
“Norwich suffered a real blip against Preston last weekend. I certainly wasn’t expecting them to concede three and lose in that game. I’ll tip them to bounce back with victory at Vicarage Road.” Prutton predicts a 2-1 win for Norwich City.
Great MDT Dunc! Best of luck, hopefully you can now carry us through to the Winter Break at the very lest!
I fear this one. Watford are a big tall side - we are not. Watford are good at crosses and set pieces - we are not good at defending them. This is another reason I think we will improve a lot when Hayden is fit - a specialist DM who is also over 6ft tall and good in the air.
I concur 1950canary, let's hope our set piece special teams drill coach is working with our defenders on balls into the box . Tell Max to sit out wide from set pieces . Could actually be a game Hugill would enjoy
CONTENT ALERT Meet Allan Russell the guy that worked under team England given the thankless task of organising our team from set plays . I'm half taking the piss but good that the club addressed this glaring problem. Watford have some big units all over the park so Omobamidele & big Grant need to be at their best.
According to WhoScored, Watford have 9 players injured, so their height advantage is down to just over a cm per player overall. Even more importantly they should be missing Pedro (though he might make the bench) their best attacking player, though Sarr is fit and will give Byram a torrid time. Both their usual CBs are out as well.
A win tonight would be great. Two points clear would give us a bit of insurance with all the tough games to come. But our record at Watford (last season excepted) isn't good. I think a lot depends on whether Sarr decides to turn up.
Since we started this winner stays on system for match day threads I think I lost all of them , so I wouldn't get too excited
Sheff U draw and QPR lose... chance to go top again... cue City spanking lol. In all seriousness, what a statement it would be if we managed to win away to go top! Fingers xd! Think Sarr will be our undoing vs Byram though
