Reading v Watford match preview
Mar 10, 2006
Author: Iceman

Following the disappointing 2-2 draw with Derby County last week, Watford go into this fixture really needing to take something from the game to stay in the hunt for automatic promotion. The Hornets cannot afford to let the gap to second-placed Sheffield United widen at this late stage in the season.

Reading meanwhile are coasting along on their unstoppable match towards the Championship title and promotion to the Premiership. Unbeaten at home since the opening day of the season, and having dropped points on only one other occasion, they will provide a daunting challenge.

Hornets' striker Hameur Bouazza has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign with a broken foot, whilst midfield man Dominic Blizzard continues to build strength and fitness following his lengthy lay-off. There is good news for Watford with the return of 10-goal hitman Darius Henderson, who will step straight back into the side against his former club in place of the injured Bouazza. Jay DeMerit could return to the starting line-up at the expense of Clarke Carlisle as he seeks to impress US national team manager Bruce Arena ahead of the World Cup squad selection. James Chambers continues to press for a recall at left back in place of Jordan Stewart.

Reading have several injury problems of their own to deal with, which has not been the case for long spells this season. The explosive Leroy Lita has seen his season cut short following a broken ankle suffered against Burnley last weekend. Key winger Glen Little, the division's leading assist-maker, has also been ruled out for at least two weeks. Star midfield man Steve Sidwell is also rated as very doubtful to play as he is struggling with a combination of thigh and ankle problems. Reading are unlikely to risk aggravating those injuries, so former Hornet Brynjar Gunnarsson will continue in the middle of the park. Little's place should again be filled by John Oster on the right flank, a somewhat less terrifying prospect. Dave Kitson will partner Kevin Doyle up front, with Shane Long or Simon Cox taking a spot on the bench in Lita's absence.

When the sides met at Vicarage Road earlier in the campaign, there was nothing between them as they cancelled each other out in a 0-0 draw. However, both sides have improved since then and have had little trouble hitting the back of the net, so an exciting game could be in prospect. Watford will need to tighten up at the back to shut out the dangerous Bobby Convey, Kitson and Doyle, but their impressive away record this season should give them plenty of confidence to press on for all three points. Both sides will be deploying a traditional 4-4-2 system with attacking wingers, so there should be plenty of chances and hopefully a few goals as well.

Verdict: It's a big ask for Watford to win this game, but with the quality they possess in the attacking department, it's by no means an impossibility. High levels of concentration and determination will be required to keep the lively Royals' front-line quiet, but with some key players missing this could be a great opportunity for The Hornets to press their own promotion claims. It is likely that this will be one of the toughest challenges Reading have faced all season.

Probable teams:

Reading:

Hahnemann, Murty, Sonko, Ingimarsson, Shorey, Oster, Harper, Gunnarsson, Convey, Kitson, Doyle.

Subs: Stack, Makin, Dobson, Hunt, Long.

Watford:

Foster, Doyley, DeMerit, Mackay, Stewart, Eagles, Mahon, Spring, Young, Henderson, King.

Subs: Chamberlain, Carlisle, Chambers, Bangura, McNamee.

Referee: Steve Tanner (Somerset) - Prolific with the cards this season, handing out an alarming 114 yellows and 9 reds in his 28 games in charge.

Many happy returns for: Brynjar Gunnarsson and Darius Henderson, lining up against their respective former sides. Both will likely receive warm applause.

Prediction: Reading 1 Watford 2