Sheffield Wednesday
Match Preview: Watford Vs Wednesday
By Nicholas Rigg
November 18 2005
It's only been a month since Ashley Young scored an 86th minute equaliser at Hillsborough to give Watford a point against the Owls back on the 10th October, but next up for Wednesday is the away tie at Vicarage Road against the third placed team in the division.
Watford Vs Wednesday
Date: Saturday 19th November
Venue: Vicarage Road, Watford
It's only been a month since Ashley Young scored an 86th minute equaliser at Hillsborough to give Watford a point against the Owls back on the 10th October, but next up for Wednesday is the away tie at Vicarage Road against the third placed team in the division.
Watford are still nine points behind second placed Reading, but are keeping hot on their heels of their rivals following four straight victories since that draw at Hillsborough.
After a slight blip in form at the Hornets, which culminated in the draw against Wednesday, Aidy Boothroyd has stuck to his task of securing a play-off place for Watford by beating Ipswich, Wolves, QPR, and Hull cityv - a tough task. They also took Premiership high-flyers Wigan to extra time in the league cup before being brushed aside 3-1 at the JJB Stadium.
Marlon King and Ashley Young have been scoring the goals which have been helping the Hornets climb up the table. The on-loan King has got 7 in 15 games, whilst the in-form Young is top scorer with 9 from 18. Matthew Spring and Darius Henderson have also contributed with four goals each.
On-loan Owls striker Gaby Agbonlahor was also brought in on loan to try and help the Watford cause, but only managed one substitute appearance before returning to Aston Villa, and thus coming to Hillsborough.
The international break will mean that both teams have a much needed break ahead of the vital clash - which will be the headline match on ITV1's 'The Championship'.
Aidy Boothroyd is set to stick with the side that has been the form team of the league in recent games. The only change from the two sides last clash is likely to be Darius Henderson's fall to the bench in place of McNamee.
Wednesday boss Paul Sturrock has much the bigger problems of the two going in to the game. Frankie Simek picked up a booking against Cardiff which will rule him out of the trip down the M1. John Hills will also still be out following his car crash. Lee Peacock missed the Cardiff game with a virus but is likely to be back for this game. Gaby Agbonlahor could feature alongside Peacock against his former club. Paul Sturrock also hopes that Drissa Diallo and Graham Coughlan will win their race for fitness to provide some much needed strength and experience at the back. Both Graeme Lee and Richard Wood could suffer after harsh words from their boss after the Cardiff game. Lee Bullen should deputise at right back in place of Simek if fit.
The last time Wednesday travelled to Vicarage Road a Heidar Helguson goal seperated the two sides when Wednesday were fighting for their lives at the foot of the Championship.
Previous Line-Ups:
Watford: Foster, Chambers, Carlisle, DeMerit (Mackay 76), Doyley, Devlin (Henderson 76), Mahon, Spring, McNamee (Bangura 53), King, Young.
Subs Not Used: Chamberlain, Stewart.
Wednesday: Weaver, Heckingbottom, Lee, Wood, Simek, Whelan, O'Brien, Brunt, Eagles (Partridge 80), Corr (Bullen 61), Graham (Agbonlahor 80).
Subs Not Used: Adamson, Rocastle.
Last Time Out:
18th October 2005
Wednesday 1-1 Watford
Wednesday: Lucas, Lee, Coughlan, Hills, Simek, Whelen, Brunt, Eagles, Rocastle, Peacock, Graham. Subs: Bullen, Corr, O'Brien, Wood, Partridge.
Goals: Brunt 64'
Watford: Foster, Chambers, Mackay, Carlisle, Doyley, Mahon, Devlin, King, Young, Spring, Henderson. Subs: Chamberlain, Stewart, Bangura, DeMerit, McNamee.
Goals: Young 86'
Head-To-Head:
Watford Wins: 14
Draws: 8
Wednesday Wins: 12
Current Form (last 5):
Draw (Sheff Wed A 1-1), Won (Ipswich Town A 1-0), Won (Wolves H 3-1), Won (QPR H 3-1), Won (Hull City A 2-1)
Draw (Brighton H 1-1), Won (Norwich A 0-1), Lost (Reading A 0-2), Won (Derby County H 2-1), Lost (Cardiff City H 1-3)
Check out the Interview with our opposition fan here!!.......
Digg
Delicious
Facebook
Reddit
Stumbleupon