Norwich City v Watford match preview
Jan 20, 2006
Author: Iceman

Despite some poor performances before Christmas, Watford have continue to confound the critics and hold their own in a play-off position. Consecutive wins against Luton and Stoke have given the Hornets something of a cushion over the chasing pack, and a win against Norwich on Saturday would see Watford reach the 'safety' mark of 52 points with a third of the season still to play. Norwich meanwhile have seemingly kicked into gear after an appalling start to the season that saw them pick up just 6 wins and 23 points from their first 22 league games. A run of 5 consecutive victories in December has seen them race up the table into play-off contention, although a home crushing by Preston and draw away at Plymouth have, temporarily at least, stalled the charge.

Speculation remains rife over the future of certain Norwich City players, with particular attention being paid to key striker Dean Ashton and a possible move to West Ham. Even if the striker is still at the club on Saturday, he will be a major doubt for the Watford clash due to a persistent groin injury. Fellow hotshot Leon McKenzie remains sidelined following his own injury problems. Second-choice goalkeeper Darren Ward, right-back Mattieu Louis-Jean, new signing Carl Robinson and young forward Ryan Jarvis are all ruled out through injury problems, while key midfielder Youssef Safri is on African Cup of Nations duty with Morocco. Paul McVeigh will return after suspension, while young defender Jason Shackell should feature on the bench after making good progress from an injury sustained against Watford Reserves. Ex-Cardiff frontman Peter Thorne could deputise for Ashton, whilst Darren Huckerby will be a constant threat up front.

For Watford, Clarke Carlisle is available after serving a one-match ban against Stoke, and will compete with Jay DeMerit, fresh from signing a new contract until 2008, and former Canary Malky Mackay for the two centre back slots. Ashley Young serves the final match of his suspension following his red card at Luton. Dominic Blizzard continues to build towards a return, but will not be involved yet, although the Hornets have no apparent injury concerns at present.

Adrian Boothroyd says he is looking forward to the challenge of travelling to Norwich, Leeds, Palace, Wolves, Reading, Sheffield United and Southampton - the supposedly 'bigger' clubs - in the remaining games this season, and any victories in these fixtures will give a massive boost to Watford's play-off aspirations. With the Norwich match being selected as the featured game for ITV's 'The Championship', this is a real chance for Watford to show the rest of the division what they're about following the disastrous previous appearance against Burnley.

There's no doubt that Norwich fans and players will be expecting nothing short of 3 points this weekend, but with Watford's superb away form this season and a near full-strength squad to choose from, they should not fear anyone. A draw would certainly not be a bad result, but a victory would really get fans believing that this could again be Watford's year.

Probable teams:

Norwich: Green, Colin, Fleming, Doherty, Drury, Charlton, Etuhu, Hughes, McVeigh, Thorne, Huckerby.

Subs: Gallacher, Shackell, Brennan, Jarrett, Henderson.

Watford: Foster, Doyley, Carlisle, Mackay, Stewart, Eagles, Spring, Mahon, McNamee, King, Henderson.

Subs: Chamberlain, DeMerit, Chambers, Bangura, Bouazza.

Referee: Martin Atkinson (West Yorkshire)