1. Log in now to remove adverts - no adverts at all to registered members!

Match Day Thread STOKE CITY v WATFORD

Discussion in 'Watford' started by oldfrenchhorn, Sep 30, 2022.

  1. oldfrenchhorn

    oldfrenchhorn Well-Known Member
    Forum Moderator

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2011
    Messages:
    39,899
    Likes Received:
    12,210
    STOKE CITY v WATFORD
    bet365 Stadium
    Sunday 2nd October 2022
    Kick Off : 1200 BST

    please log in to view this image

    When Rob Edwards was removed as Watford head coach after just 11 games earlier this week, few people were overly surprised, but that did not take away from the decision being widely condemned by supporters and social media alike.

    Although Edwards had won just three times in 11 outings, the Englishman had also suffered just three defeats in all competitions, Watford being one point adrift of the playoff places.

    Nevertheless, the Hornets will now move forward under Bilic, who returns to English football after his previous spells with West Ham United and West Bromwich Albion.

    Watford head into the contest having prevailed in just one of their last seven league fixtures, their most recent outing with Sunderland ending in a 2-2 draw.

    please log in to view this image


    Bilic is not the only new manager on show at the bet365 Stadium with Alex Neil just four fixtures into his reign at Stoke.

    Five points have been collected from a possible 12, the Potters heading into the international break with a goalless draw at Queens Park Rangers.

    Stoke have now kept two clean sheets in succession, and Neil will be encouraged that just three goals have been conceded in their most recent five outings.

    Team News

    None at present. We await news of the fitness of players who have been away with their countries.

    Our Officials

    JOSH SMITH
    please log in to view this image


    Matthew Jones and Akil Howson
    Fourth Official : James Bell



     
    #1
    Mexican Hornet and andytoprankin like this.
  2. oldfrenchhorn

    oldfrenchhorn Well-Known Member
    Forum Moderator

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2011
    Messages:
    39,899
    Likes Received:
    12,210
    João Pedro’s status is 50/50 ahead of the trip north, as he currently nurses a minor calf injury. The Head Coach described his situation as “just a matter of days”.

    William Troost-Ekong was forced off the pitch with a hamstring injury whilst representing Nigeria last week, and is aiming for a mid-October return.

    Meanwhile, Jeremy Ngakia is making good progress on his hamstring injury, but won’t be rushed back to action.

    Having sustained a lateral collateral ligament injury in August, midfielder Tom Dele-Bashiru’s rehabilitation is going well, with the 23-year-old training individually outside.

    The Hornets’ medical staff remain cautious with Tom Cleverley’s return to the squad, with a couple of weeks to wait before the club captain can return from an achilles injury.
     
    #2
    Mexican Hornet likes this.
  3. Markthehorn

    Markthehorn Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2011
    Messages:
    17,997
    Likes Received:
    5,411
    Pedro a doubt for Sunday - not good news when Bilic needs a good start !
     
    #3
  4. oldfrenchhorn

    oldfrenchhorn Well-Known Member
    Forum Moderator

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2011
    Messages:
    39,899
    Likes Received:
    12,210
    It sounds as though Stoke have lots of injury doubts. Alex Neil refused to discuss who might be available in his press conference.
     
    #4
    Markthehorn likes this.
  5. Markthehorn

    Markthehorn Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2011
    Messages:
    17,997
    Likes Received:
    5,411
    I am sure the defence and players in general will be told in no uncertain terms they need to improve by a very experienced international defender and manager . But will they listen or care ?
     
    #5
  6. Markthehorn

    Markthehorn Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2011
    Messages:
    17,997
    Likes Received:
    5,411
    Louza in the squad ?

     
    #6
  7. Bolton's Boots

    Bolton's Boots Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2011
    Messages:
    31,727
    Likes Received:
    10,505
    At a guess, back training with the squad - but I imagine our new coach would be bending over backwards to get him in the team tomorrow.
     
    #7
    Markthehorn likes this.
  8. Mexican Hornet

    Mexican Hornet Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2011
    Messages:
    10,921
    Likes Received:
    2,953
    This game will be too early for me I am afraid. Probably means a win!
     
    #8
  9. Bolton's Boots

    Bolton's Boots Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2011
    Messages:
    31,727
    Likes Received:
    10,505
    Wimp!! ;)
     
    #9
  10. oldfrenchhorn

    oldfrenchhorn Well-Known Member
    Forum Moderator

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2011
    Messages:
    39,899
    Likes Received:
    12,210
    please log in to view this image
     
    #10

  11. Markthehorn

    Markthehorn Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2011
    Messages:
    17,997
    Likes Received:
    5,411
    Poor Slav - been there 2/3 days and already suffering with injuries.

    Will Sarr turn up ?
     
    #11
  12. Bolton's Boots

    Bolton's Boots Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2011
    Messages:
    31,727
    Likes Received:
    10,505
    Shame Pedro is out, but a strong enough looking team
     
    #12
    Markthehorn likes this.
  13. oldfrenchhorn

    oldfrenchhorn Well-Known Member
    Forum Moderator

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2011
    Messages:
    39,899
    Likes Received:
    12,210
    please log in to view this image
     
    #13
  14. Bolton's Boots

    Bolton's Boots Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2011
    Messages:
    31,727
    Likes Received:
    10,505
    Two ex-Hornets facing us today I see.
     
    #14
  15. oldfrenchhorn

    oldfrenchhorn Well-Known Member
    Forum Moderator

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2011
    Messages:
    39,899
    Likes Received:
    12,210
    I was trying to work out the formation. The WO has been at it as well. "It looks to be four at the back for the Hornets but it will be interesting to see their shape in midfield and up front. 4-3-3, 4-4-2, 4-5-1 or another variation are all possible." Wait and see I guess.
     
    #15
  16. Scullion

    Scullion Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2012
    Messages:
    7,466
    Likes Received:
    2,715
    hello all good to be back after the break.
    Looking for a stream currently
    Will the new manager make a difference? Hope so.
    COYH
     
    #16
  17. oldfrenchhorn

    oldfrenchhorn Well-Known Member
    Forum Moderator

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2011
    Messages:
    39,899
    Likes Received:
    12,210
    #17
  18. Scullion

    Scullion Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2012
    Messages:
    7,466
    Likes Received:
    2,715
    #18
  19. Bolton's Boots

    Bolton's Boots Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2011
    Messages:
    31,727
    Likes Received:
    10,505
    Lots of empty seats...
     
    #19
  20. Scullion

    Scullion Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2012
    Messages:
    7,466
    Likes Received:
    2,715
    Empty stadium, must say who would want to miss their Sunday roast.
     
    #20

Share This Page