I don't know if its just last season's results doing this to me, but I am a bit worried about this game. Perhaps the first time this season we are favourites to win, I just expect us instead to lose due to some piece of injustice!
Only one issue to pick up on in the thread Leonardo.. You state "Lewis Grabban scored a 65th-minute spot-kick after Miguel Layun brought down Wes Hoolahan in the area" I seem to recall Layun was about a yard away when a gust of wind seemed to knock Hoolihan over!
Watford will wait until “the last possible moment” to decide whether Heurelho Gomes is fit enough to face Norwich City on Saturday but Valon Behrami and Sebastian Prödl will miss the game. Behrami has missed Watford’s last two matches with a knee injury and will again be absent. Prödl has returned to training following a calf injury, Flores says he will not be involved against Norwich. Adlene Guedioura is a slight doubt after suffering a knock against Aston Villa but he is expected to make the match day squad. Watford Observer
If Gomes can't play, who are we going to have on the bench? Last I heard Gilmartin was still injured, is he fit again? Would we risk not having a reserve keeper? It seems to me we may as well at least stick the leading youth keeper on the bench, better option that sticking an outfield player in goal if something happens and it will put them through the big match day experience even if all they do is warm the bench.
I think that given the circumstances of our matches with Norwich last season that Troy and the boys will be up for setting the record straight. Norwich will also be buoyed by their excellent result against Arsenal (serves them right for wearing that rubbish blue kit) but unlike Arsenal we are much less inclined to be bullied out of games. Confident of a win for the Hornets by more than the odd goal.
Outside of the transfer window, a club may still sign players on an emergency basis, usually if they have no goalkeeper available. Special dispensation from their competition's governing body, for example the Premier League, maybe Romo fly over for the weekend?
Hang on a minute, re goalies, didn´t one come over from Udinese and go back without playing, he was emergency cover then, IF my memory serves me correctly.
That was before the September list of 17 overseas players was instigated. It does raise an interesting question, though. Can an emergency goalkeeper come from outside the UK?
One thing is for sure, if Arlauskis in goal, the defense had better be on their toes! He was so shakey last week he even got a mention on talksport today for the 'worst 25 minutes from any goalkeeper in any league ever!' I do hate playing for bogey teams!
I think that must be rubbish. What about all the goalkeepers who have lost 8, 9 or 10 goals? Giedrius Arlauskis only let in one.
I agree with the earlier statement regarding Hoolahan's dive and I'm fairly sure that most Canary fans were embarrassed by it! Let's hope for a man in the middle that is capable of running the show without wishing to be the star attraction in it!
Like you I'm feeling nervous about the prospect of watching Arlauskis in goal . Hoping the strong wind and first game nerves might have played their part in the keepers performance ...it was dire . I suppose we should trust the Pozzos judgement ... I'm sure they would not have signed a dud second string goalie , at least he has plenty of international experience . If Arlauskis does play , would be grudgingly happy with a point .... Norwich looked a fairly decent side against a injury depleted Arsenal .
I gather Alex Neil said in his press conference that a win against Watford would be worth more than against a team heading for midtable. Cheeky s*d.
Yes I guess he believes a win against a team heading for Europe holds more value than against one for mid table ie a win over watford would be more valuable to him than one over chelsea.
