please log in to view this image WATFORD v BURNLEY please log in to view this image 29 March 2013 Vicarage Road Referee: David Coote Sean Dyche returns to Watford with his Burnley side and hopes to improve Burnleyâs recent run which has seen them win just one game in their last eleven. Certainly he will receive a warm welcome, but Watford will be concentrating on taking all three points once the whistle blows, having lost their last two, seemingly winnable games and hoping to get back on the automatic trail. It could be said that if they donât win this match, it will be very difficult for them to stay in the hunt for second, but with Hull and Crystal Palace also tripping up in the last couple of weeks, hope still remains high. Last time out, Burnley came close to their first win over Blackburn in 34 years, but hopes were dashed in the 5th minute of injury time when Blackburn scored a controversial equaliser. After the match Clarets boss Dyche said: âI am very frustrated with the outcome again. We have found it tough to be on the right side of decisions and one goes against us again at a vital moment. Their lad scored when he was two yards offside and when you see it again itâs a clear one! That is a real, real sickener when the players have worked that hard for themselves, the fans and the club.â He added, âI have just said to the players though that they should be proud. Itâs not an easy ride at the moment, so to go out there and play with that freedom and on the front foot, shows they have it in them and now we need more of that. I was proud of everything today, particularly the support. It was a nearly day as we tried to change history â and it would have been deserved.â Meanwhile, while Burnley were ruing their draw against Blackburn, Watford were coming to terms with a harsh loss against Barnsley. Most fans will admit that the team had lacked their usual feisty fighting ways and were looking jaded, but that takes nothing away from Barnsley, who were up for their win. The First team Coach, Gianfranco Zola said after the game, âOur attention to detail has to be better. We have had a couple of these situations in the last few games and things have to improve there - no question about that. So yes I'm disappointed about how we have conceded the goal because we talked about set-pieces before the game and how this is a strength of the opponent. The Championship is like this, we know that. You can expect something different every week and the fact the game became frantic was a disaster for us in many ways because it meant that it was going to be less likely we could have some spells of controlled possession.â Both teams will be hoping for the 3 points for different reasons. Burnley lie in 11th, just 10 points off the playoffs, and Watford are pushing to get back into 2nd place, and to take the automatic promotion spot. It will be a hard fought game, with a strong Burnley defence and the speed of Watfordâs attackers, it should prove interesting. Though i would usually predict a 3-1 home win with my heart, my head is saying this could be a low scoring score draw. Perhaps a 1-1 repeat of their last meeting in December. The referee for this match, David Coote, has been in charge of 28 games this season, giving out a total of 85 yellows and 4 reds. He hasnât officiated a Watford match this season but has seen Burnley draw 3-3 with Sheffield Wednesday back in October. For those not able to make the game, commentary will be found with the wonderful Jon Marks on Hornets Player for Watford, and on Clarets Player with Phil Bird. Team news to follow.
Should be a great atmosphere as the web site is showing no availability to buy a ticket for tomorrow.
since the edit facility seems to have disappeared for now, here is the latest on Injuries: http://www.watfordfc.com/news/article/130327-injury-update-735837.aspx
More team news. http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/10322354.Abdi_and_Hall_set_to_return_for_Burnley_clash/
Love the thought of getting lost on the stairs. http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/10322317.Zola_anticipates__big_week__ahead/
Wonder if this guy will be among the 500 Burnley fans at the match this afternoon. http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/blogs...oldest-season-ticket-back-club-105341738.html
Thought Dyche might get a warm welcome back but.. If people see this they might not be so welcoming! http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepag...an-Dyche-returns-to-Watford-with-Burnley.html
In a way I agree with him - I don't think that The Otter merited Championship Player of the Year either - but I do find it strange that he too focuses on strikers. I've just cast my vote on the Wobby for our own player of the year and his name didn't feature in my three choices - that's not me denigrating him, I just think that others have made more valuable contributions.
I totally agree regarding the awards: Abdi and Chalobah will probably be the top 2. I meant people might be bitter he talks about the loans affecting our youth players potentially but yes its not a rant like old Holloway.
I voted for Almen Abdi, Lloyd Doyley and Chalobah as my three players. And Battoccio, Fernando at Huddersfield and Vydra at brighton for goals. I wanted to spread the votes as there have been many great goals and performances thise season, but Vydra got Champ POTS, so shouldnt get the club one too. Its unfair on so many others.
Today's team: Bond; Ekstrand, Hall, Briggs; Cassetti, Chalobah, Abdi, Battocchio, Anya; Deeney (c), Forestieri subs: Bonham (GK), Hogg, Doyley, Yeates, Pudil, Vydra, Geijo.
GFZ says that Sean Dyche deserves a good welcome as he did a lot for the club. Knowing what we do now about the goings on in the background, he deserves his welcome even more. Let's hope he goes away with sympathy, but nothing else.
Luther been out on the pitch giving the Otter his trophy. Hollowhead is becoming a bore according to Jon Marks.
