WATFORD V DERBY, Watford will assess Daniel Pudil ahead of their home encounter against Derby. The wing-back missed Tuesday's 2-0 victory at Ipswich due to illness, with the fit-again Joel Ekstrand starting in defence having recovered from his knee injury. Otherwise, boss Gianfranco Zola has an unchanged squad to select from and could opt to recall 19-goal top scorer Matej Vydra and midfielder Cristian Battocchio having rested the pair to the bench at Portman Road. Defenders Fitz Hall (hamstring), Tommie Hoban (ankle) and Neuton (back) all continue to miss out. The third-placed Hornets, who are three points off the automatic promotion places, will be out for revenge against Derby having been hammered 5-1 in the reverse fixture at Pride Park at the start of September. Jake Buxton could return to action and ease Derby's defensive problems. With Mark O'Brien, James O'Connor and Shaun Barker all out with knee injuries, Kieron Freeman expected to be out for around a month after suffering a twisted ankle against Bolton in midweek and Gareth Roberts serving the final game of a three-match ban, the Rams are down to the bare bones at the back. Buxton has sat out the last three matches after returning from an eight-week absence with knee ligament damage earlier than expected against Sheffield Wednesday on February 9, but the centre-back is set to resume training on Friday. If Buxton is fit that would allow John Brayford to revert from centre-back to his usual right-back role. Should Buxton not make it, Brayford would continue alongside Richard Keogh at the heart of the defence and midfielder Ben Davies would replace Freeman at right-back - as he did after 29 minutes against Bolton on Tuesday night. Elsewhere, teenage midfielder Will Hughes remains a doubt for Saturday. The 17-year-old missed his first game of the season in midweek after a groin strain forced him off during the goalless draw with Wolves last weekend. AS ALWAYS COMMENTS WELCOME> ENJOY THE GAME !!
Slightly OT but I've posted a thread asking for peoples opinions on the best Football League fixtures to watch tomorrow. Don't get to see half as many games as I'd like. I'd much appreciate people's suggestions http://www.not606.com/showthread.php...remier-League)
Good thread Mexican, I think that if GFZ does bring back Vydra and Battocchio we should get a decent score line (3-1). I hope that we can also bring our away form back to the vic as we have been playing a lot better away from home. Either way I'm sure the return of OFH and Norway will spur the lads onto a convincing victory. COYH!!!
Glad Theo Robinson has gone on loan to Huddersfield otherwise he'd probably do a Kevin Phillips. Here is some more news fromt he Rams side of things, http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/D...tory-18220615-detail/story.html#axzz2Ldzy3q8n
I hope Derby are mugged tomorrow with a dodgy, last-minute penalty decision, get really riled up about it, and go on to thrash their next two opponents.
I just hope we can start relaxing at The Vic like we do away...will give those who cannot make away games a bit of a surprise. I also hope it's a great game for those traveling over for the game - OFH & Norway and those putting in the miles on the highways and byways. I think we will really kick on and I'm going for a 3-0 home win with The Otter getting back into scoring... COYH
Many years ago I visited what was Czechoslovakia. On the breakfast menu of the hotel in which I was staying I only recognised one thing. Even that took some thought. It was "Hemenex". A virtual breakfast to the first person to tell me what it is (without googling).
Totally off topic this, but that brings to mind the name of a new girl in school this week. Her name appears on the register as La-ah - anyone like to have a stab at pronouncing it? A virtual ale for the first correct guess.
I have a lot of time for Clough although I am surprised that Derby have stuck with him despite some mediocre Championship campaigns. They continue to lack a bit of consistency but recently they have been playing quite well without being spectacular and could still easily sneek into the playoffs. This will be a tough game which hopefully we will do enough to win but I would not be too disappointed with a draw.
