Leicester City V Watford Date: 26th April 2013 Venue: King Power Stadium Time: 7:45pm TV: Sky Sports 1 (7:30pm) Streams: TBC Radio Commentary: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p001d7m1 http://www.bbc.co.uk/threecountiesradio http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01sddql Leicester City host Watford at the King Power Stadium for what could be a make or break match for both sides. A win here could put the pressure on Hull for the second automatic promotion place, where Leicester need the win to push into the play off places. Leicester will feel that they have to go for the win, nothing else will do for them really, which may well suit Watford's style of play. This will be a 'nail biter' for both sets of fans, but for the neutral fan, this could be a cracker of a game. Leicester have won 13 of their 22 home games this season, while Watford have won 11 of their 22 games on their travels. Leicester come into this match on the back of a 3 - 2 win at home to Bolton, and a 2 - 2 draw away at play - off rivals Crystal Palace. The draw last Saturday at Crystal Palace, saw the Foxes drop out of the top 6, so a win here is vital for them to push up back into the play - off places. Leicester started the season well, and for the first few months were constantly in the top 3. Since manager Nigel Peason won the manager of the month award for January, the dreaded 'jinx' seems to have struck Leicester, and, after a sequence of only 2 wins in the last 15 games, have dropped from 2nd in the table at the end of February, to 7th after last Saturday's point at Selhurst Park. This is manager Nigel Pearson's second stint as manager, this time under different owners. He has had experience of managing in the Premier League with Newcastle United Current form: LLDDWD A Foxes fan, when asked for his views on this season said, "At the moment things are a little painful - 2 wins in 15 is not good reading - but I think that the recent dismal run somewhat obscures the progress that has been made in terms of shifting out some dead wood and bringing in some younger exciting talent that can only become better next season - even if that might, somewhat disappointingly, still be in the Championship. Emerging talents like Anthony Knockaert, Liam Moore and Jeff Schlupp all suggest a bright future.I'm not sure if anyone quite knows what the forthcoming financial rules will mean either for our own club or others. Our Thai owners seem very committed and willing to back whoever is in charge financially. I've supported Leicester City for over 40 years and the last few have been the first that we have ever been seen as 'competitors' in the transfer market - which is a pleasant change - but who knows whether that will continue. I think that there is a still an optimistic feeling that the club could 'take off' amongst supporters generally.We HAVE to beat Watford!, if we are to have any realistic chance of making the play-offs. We have a fairly good record against Watford at home and they seem to have stuttered as well lately. Frankly it's too close to call but I'll have to back us as a patriot!I.m still hoping to go up through the play-offs but that is more hope than expectation. Sixth will do fine - anything higher a bonus." Watford come into this match having lost away to Millwall - a result which many people thought had given them no chance of automatic promotion, however, Hull's draw against already relegated Bristol City - and a comprehensive 4 - 0 win at home to Blackburn on Saturday, has lifted their spirits once again. They have surprised many people this season with how well they have performed despite a slow start. If only they had played at the beginning of the season, they might well have been promoted along with Cardiff by now, Who knows? They have won many admirers with their style of play this season, as well as some enemies for their use of the loan system through their owners. Despite the bad press, not to mention a court case where Watford seriously feared a points deduction, they had performed miracles for a 'small' club, and in their young manager, Gianfranco Zola, they have a manager who is well respected for his achievements as a player, and for his style of football. He also has had experience of management in the Premiership with West Ham, albeit briefly. Opinions have been divided between Watford fans this season over how their team is run and how they would fare this season, but as the season has progressed, things are looking very positive for The Hornets. Current form: DWDLLW A Hornet fan when asked for his views on the season said, "The team has really amazed me this year. I wasn't happy with Zola taking over as I am not a fan of foreign managers in the championship. If we had to sack Dyche , I would have preferred Sam Allardyce or Ian holloway on the basis that they have a proven track record of taking teams up. I said I'd hold my hands up if I was worng and now I think my arms are going to fall off.The set up here at Watford is good, but I'm a bit old fashioned, so it still feels strange to me. That said it does look as though we could now have the stability that we've been craving more or less since Elton John left I don't think we'll beat Leicester. I have a feeling we'll wobble badly as they already seem a bit nervous. The Hull result was brilliant but I fear that could have been a one off and we'll now struggle. I think we'll finish third and lose in the play off semi final." Officicals: CRAIG PAWSON Ross Joyce and Keith Lawson Fourth Official Gary Sutton Teams: TBC
Nice one Maestro - 5*'s from me. This is shaping up to be a classic, both teams going for it in a packed evening match! I cannot wait and getting nervous already - will need something to calm me down on the night I believe that The Foxes will start with a flying start and we will have to defend in depth in the first 10 mins or so and then we will start to break and cause them big problems. Going to go for a 1-3 win to Watford
Thanks chaps. I would take a bow, but if I do, I might well end up splitting my trousers, and I would not wish that sight on anyone
I like this thread. Watford will win and Barnsley too. My Hull City friend has a ticket for his game, why? I must say NO to this. Sam Allardyce manages teams that make Sean Dyche look very adventurous and Ian Holloway is a bad person.
5s Maestro, . Unfortunately the mother is over so I will miss this game. Still, I haven't seen her for 15 months, so can't gripe really. COYH COYH COYH in advance, need to put the squeeze on Hull and see what it brings...
Thanks Maestro. How lucky we are to get a thread every game which is well used. It would be interesting to know how many people use our attempts to report what is going on as their only means of contact. I guess that when there is a video stream anyone can get it, but when it is only Hornet Player here then I see a lot of the same names appearing.
When I can't get any news, I keep popping over here to find out what is happening, because these threads are so much better than the BBC text effort Cheers to all of you that post on here from the radio
OFH, when there's no stream, or I'm out and about with the kids, I really appreciate those giving updates who are listening to the Hornet Player (not worth me getting the Hornet Player because I never sit in one place for that long - maybe when the kids are older!). Keep up the good work OFH, Bolton and others who give us Hornet Player updates - it really makes a difference to let us know how the match is going...thanks!
great thread Maestro, thanks so much . This is going to be an end to end match i think, and it could go either way. I think if we manage to get the first goal, we'll win...if Leicester score first, we may struggle, but since i can't ever predict us to lose, i'm going for my usual 1-3...and praying very hard! I've already had 2 sleepless nights over this weekend's football...gawd help me if we get to the playoff final...or worse..the match against Leeds counts! lol
Was a pleasure to try and do it for you. I just hope I have given a balanced view. I did try not to be biased in any way, but................. GO STUFF 'EM YOU 'ORNS!!!
Good thread M, I just have one complaint. Its too balanced lol. This is set to be the season decider, if we dont get a least a point then it will be the end of the automatic hopes, but three points puts a whole lot of pressure on the shoulders of Hull, and they have been known to struggle from time to time. I hope we stick with the same team as Blackburn, Forrest looks more keen than ever (i almost said hungry, but thought better given his Argentine roots) Deeney is proving all his doubters more than wrong and the defence is the best we have available.
Hi Guys, a Fox in peace! I too am very nervous about the game on Friday night. It is a massively important to both teams for different reasons. Obviously both teams will be attacking from the off and out for the much needed 3 points and I agree that this will actually suit both sides as they both play open, attacking exciting football. It is all set up for a great game, especially for the neutral. It promises to be end to end football. Lets just hope it is not decided by some dodgy referees decision! Cue a draw that is no use to either team! Good luck guys! Cheers.
Not balanced at all Dan. I had a *** in one hand while I was typing, so it was just ever so slightly to one side Just in case there are any Americans reading this. That DOES NOT mean what you think it does
Be careful there H - rumour has it that G is a Leicester fan so we might prefer him not to get involved Surely they can't still use that term can they? Morning all from a wet and foggy Wales
