Sheffield United v Watford match preview
Feb 5, 2006
Author: Iceman

Watford enter the final third of the season sitting pretty in 4th place after a run of four consecutive league victories in January. The gap between the Hornets and the chasing pack from 7th down has grown to ten points, leaving Watford requiring seven victories at most to secure a Play-Off spot.

However, in this fixture they come up against a Sheffield United side sitting even prettier in 2nd place, a full 11 points clear of nearest challengers Leeds. And whilst Reading may well pull away to secure The Championship, the Blades will be more than happy to settle for their current position and automatic promotion.

Watford's main injury concern is that of goalkeeper Ben Foster, who may again miss out through his leg problem, although he has been making good progress and should be available again soon. Dominic Blizzard will definitely not feature as he continues to build his fitness levels following a prolonged spell on the sidelines due to a virus.

The Blades meanwhile will be missing ex-Hornet Danny Webber, who had been in very sound form before suffering a hamstring injury recently. Fellow striker Brian Deane may yet feature on the bench after shaking off his own hamstring problem and returning to light training.

Neither side are likely to make significant alterations to their line-ups following positive recent results, although Neil Warnock will have to decide which of his 182 strikers will form the front pairing. Recent acquisition Ade Akinbiyi, so often a thorn in the Watford side, will likely be joined by Steve Kabba, with the more sluggish Neil Shipperley perhaps dropping to the bench. One point of interest could be whether or not Warnock includes a goalkeeper on the subs bench, as he has shown a tendency not to do so in recent times, and back-up goalkeeper Phil Barnes has joined QPR in an emergency loan deal. Watford may face a similar situation, as Boothroyd will have to decide whether to include Academy goalkeeper James Hoad on the bench or go with five outfield substitutes.

Watford have built up an impressive track record at Bramall Lane in recent seasons, and will be hoping to continue that run on Monday. Manager Aidy Boothroyd is keen to prevent his side from tailing off in the remainder of the season and will be going all-out for victory in this televised clash.

Whilst it is by no means a must-win game for Watford, a victory is almost certainly required if any hopes of catching Sheffield United for second place are to remain. However, with results going the Hornets' way at the weekend, the pressure has been taken off somewhat, and hopefully this will allow Watford to play their best football. The key to success for the Hornets could well be their pace in attack, as the Blades' defence is perhaps the weakest area of their team, underlined by Warnock's attempts to sign Chris Lucketti and Danny Shittu during the January transfer window, to no avail.

Verdict: A point for Watford from this clash would be very acceptable, but all three really would have supporters dreaming of promotion. Entertainment is likely, but as always not guaranteed, and a high scoring draw should not be ruled out.

Probable teams:

United: Kenny, Geary, Bromby, Short, Unsworth, Ifill, Jagielka, Tonge, Armstrong, Akinbiyi, Kabba.

Subs from: Morgan, Quinn, Montgomery, Gillespie, Shipperley, Dyer, Deane, Flitcroft.

Watford: Chamberlain, Doyley, Mackay, DeMerit, Stewart, Eagles, Mahon, Spring, Young, Henderson, King.

Subs from: Hoad, Carlisle, Chambers, Bangura, McNamee, Bouazza.

Referee: Andy Hall (West Midlands) - If memory serves me correctly, oh dear...

Prediction: Sheffield United 2 Watford 2