Watford v Aston Villa Preview
Sep 15, 2006
Author: Iceman

Heroes and Villains

So, another week, another chapter in the Watford story. The last chapter ended with a cruel twist, leaving players, manager and supporters in a state of shock, physically and mentally shaken. That 96th minute Bolton penalty, on the back of our own side hitting the woodwork three times, was the latest in a whole catalogue of injustices that have dogged the opening weeks of our season. But hang on; we’ve only played four games. With another 34 to go, we’ve barely got past the introduction. The doom-mongers may already be predicting where we’ll finish in the Championship next season, but there’s still a vast amount of time for the plot to turn in our favour. However, like all good stories, if you want the ending to be favourable, you need heroes. And what better time for them to step forward than against the Villains themselves?

The arrival of Martin O’Neill to replace David O’Leary as Villa boss must rank up there as one of the most popular managerial changes of all time. Whilst O’Leary was never truly accepted by the Villa faithful, O’Neill was heralded as their saviour, their knight in shining armour. Their impressive start to the campaign, coupled with the latest in a string of big-money foreign takeovers, suggests this time it may not be a false dawn for the underachieving Midlanders. However, with so much change happening so quickly at Villa, one aspect has been virtually ignored – the playing side. Whilst January may bring with it a string of expensive signings, the only addition made since last season has been the recent acquisition of free-scoring midfielder Stiliyan Petrov from Celtic. Whilst the club have admirably kept faith with a fair quota of home-grown players, they simply do not yet possess the quality of players to make them a real force. They therefore fall into the category of sides Watford should really be taking points from this season, particularly in our home games at Fortress Vic…

Between the posts for Villa will be Thomas Sorensen, usually competent but prone to the occasional blunder. He keeps former Arsenal man Stuart Taylor on the bench. Villa’s defence has been far from settled so far this season, giving Watford more reason for optimism. However, Olof Mellberg and Liam Ridgewell have been ever-presents so far, each chipping in with a goal for good measure. They are likely to be joined by Martin Laursen and captain Gareth Barry, filling in at left back. Other options may include Wilfred Bouma, Jlloyd Samuel and Aaron Hughes, who are all looking to return following injuries. Gary Cahill remains absent with a knee injury. In midfield, Petrov is likely to be accompanied by the hard-working pair of Gavin McCann and Steven Davis. There are no shortage of alternatives here, with Peter Whittingham, Eric Djemba-Djemba, Craig Gardner, the returning Patrik Berger and new signing Didier Agathe also in contention. Lee Hendrie, linked with the Hornets over the summer, misses out with a calf strain. Luke Moore, Juan Pablo Angel and Gabriel Agbonlahor have been the preferred strike force so far this season, with Milan Baros the other attacking option following the sale of Kevin Phillips. Baros is fit again and looking to regain his starting role.

Watford are likely to keep faith with the same side that were so unfortunately beaten at Bolton. Chris Powell will be sidelined for 3 weeks with a calf injury picked up in training. Jordan Stewart should continue to deputise. Clarke Carlisle will be missing for another 2 weeks at least with a chest infection. A host of experienced players took part in the midweek reserve game at Reading, but a 3-1 defeat did no favours for any of them. There should at least be healthy competition for places on the bench.

Many happy returns for…Gabriel Agbonlahor. His two appearances on loan for Watford last season did little to suggest ‘Gabby’ would develop into a Villa regular, but that he has become. The Watford defence will have to be alert to his electric pace as part of Villa’s three-pronged attack.

Man to watch – Stiliyan Petrov. All eyes will be on the Bulgarian playmaker as he seeks to justify his £6.5m transfer fee after following former boss O’Neill to Villa.

It’s a fact – In his 193 Aston Villa appearances, defender Mark Delaney has scored just 2 goals. One of those was in August 1999, when Villa left Vicarage Road as 1-0 victors thanks to Delaney’s wonder goal. Thankfully for Watford, he’s unlikely to be involved this weekend!

Man in the middle – Mike Dean (Wirral)

Expected line-ups:

Watford (4-4-2): Foster; Doyley, Mackay, Shittu, Stewart; Smith, Francis, Mahon, Young; King, Henderson.
Subs: Lee, DeMerit, Bangura, Spring, Bouazza.

Villa (4-3-3): Sorensen; Ridgewell, Mellberg, Laursen, Barry; McCann, Davis, Petrov; Moore, Angel, Agbonlahor.
Subs: Taylor, Hughes, Whittingham, Berger, Baros.

Verdict – I feel strangely confident about this one. Despite Villa’s impressive start to the season, their away form remains notoriously bad, with just 19 victories in their last 100 Premiership away matches. Watford will cause the Villa defence lots of problems, and the goals should start to flow. The Villains may sneak one, but it will not be enough as the Hornets will be back on form in front of goal to record a comprehensive victory.