please log in to view this image WATFORD v STOKE CITY please log in to view this image Vicarage Road Stadium Friday 29th December 2023 Kick Off : 1945 GMT please log in to view this image The last game of 2023, and there have been plenty of lows during the year, probably rather more than highs. Just as you think you have turned things around, the Championship takes a lump out of you. please log in to view this image Up until Boxing Day, the feeling was that everything at Watford was trending in the right direction as they bid to make the play-offs. However, losing 4-1 at home to Bristol City has put a different spin on things. The perception is that Watford's often trigger-happy owners are taking an alternative approach in 2023-24, searching for stability, but Valerien Ismael is aware that he needs to keep his team within touching distance of the top six. As it stands, Watford sit just two points behind that spot, highlighting the missed opportunity of Tuesday, but the chance to bounce back immediately could suit them. please log in to view this image Stoke are in the process of turning a corner having appointed Steven Schumacher as their new boss, yet numerous positives will be taken from the manner of their fixture on Boxing Day. Not many would have predicted the Potters racing into a three-goal lead inside 53 minutes before eventually prevailing by a 3-1 scoreline against a very poor Birmingham side. While Stoke still sit as low as 18th position, there is now a seven-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone, while they have also avoided defeat since December 9. With eight points also coming from their last six away fixtures, there will be an air of belief as they make the trip to Hertfordshire for this game Team News. Watford are having to assess a number of players before the game. Lewis out until the middle of January will be a big miss. Our Officials Scott Oldham has been appointed as the referee for what is due to be his first Championship game of the current season. please log in to view this image Matthew Jones and Sunny Singh Gill have been named as the assistant referees for this fixture, with Sam Barrott as the fourth official
Hopefully their new management bounce stops right here other no doubt some fans will be calling for one of our own...
Won't be around for this one, thanks to bad weather. My son was due to return to Perth yesterday but all buses and trains were cancelled & driving was unadvisable. Limited serviced today made it impossible for him to get back in time to start work this evening, so I drove him there - currently about to head back, but don't expect a smooth ride as some roads are still a bit iffy. Fingers crossed for a better result than the Bristol game...
Hmm. Few changes there . Hope they manage to gel ! Sema and Healey injured. I thought Louza was too .
Can't say I disagree with you all, entertaining though, if a bit frustrating. On Hive tonight. Need to win this and should be able too imo.
