Watford v Fulham Match Preview
Oct 1, 2006
Author: Paul Wilson

Watford v Fulham Match Preview

Vicarage Road, Monday 2nd October 2006, kick-off 8pm, live on Sky Sports 1

Building

With Watford’s plans for the redevelopment of Vicarage Road Stadium finally unveiled this week, supporters can at last look forward to a stadium worthy of a place in the Premier League. The complex planning of the redevelopment has been running for well over two years now, with the process likely to have faced many obstacles along the way. But for now, focus must return to the playing side of the club as, much like the redevelopment, it is a work in progress. Whilst some impressive and committed displays have certainly laid the foundations of a potentially successful season in the top flight, Watford now need to build on that start and get some wins on the board. With all this discussion of building, it seems rather apt that the team standing in Watford’s way this week are the Cottagers.

Despite a very mixed bag of results, Fulham have perhaps done a little better than many predicted so far this season. An opening day 5-1 stuffing at Man United seemed to indicate Fulham as potential relegation candidates, whilst they were thankful for a stoppage time penalty in claiming a 1-1 draw at home to Bolton. A 1-0 home success against Sheffield United was no more than they expected, but two late goals earned a surprise 2-1 victory at Newcastle. The Cottagers followed this up with a useful 0-0 draw away at Spurs, but a shock exit to Wycombe in the Carling Cup and a 2-0 home defeat by Chelsea have done little to boost their cause. The departure of key figure Steed Malbranque to Spurs was inevitable, but still a significant blow to Fulham’s creative potential. An injury crisis in midfield has compounded the problem, and Chris Coleman will have to find a way to grind out results if he is to avoid increasing pressure over his position.

Antti Niemi will be the man between the posts for Fulham, having played every minute in the Premiership so far this season. Czech ‘keeper Jan Lastuvka will claim a spot on the bench, ahead of Mark Crossley in the Fulham pecking order. The defence is likely to consist of Liam Rosenior, Zat Knight, Ian Pearce and Franck Queudrue. Moritz Volz may have to settle for a place on the bench, whilst Gabriel Zakuani is yet to make his league debut and Philippe Christanval is ruled out through injury. Fellow defender Carlos Bocanegra may find himself deployed in an unfamiliar role on the left side of midfield, although out-of-favour left back Niclas Jensen could be the alternative. With Mark Pembridge, Luis Boa Morte, Jimmy Bullard, Ahmad Elrich and Simon Elliott all out injured, and Claus Jensen only fit enough for a place on the bench, Fulham are short of options. Wayne Routledge will occupy the right wing berth, whilst Papa Bouba Diop and Michael Brown make up a menacing physical presence in the middle of the park. Fulham possess a decent collection of forwards, with US veteran Brian McBride and reported Watford target Collins John starting most frequently this season. Former Hornets hero Heidar Helguson will be keen to start against his old employees after netting twice already this season, whilst Canadian Tomasz Radzinski and young Swede Bjorn Runstrom provide further options.

Watford are not expected to have any new injury worries, with Chris Powell, Clarke Carlisle and Scott Loach remaining the only players unavailable. Aidy Boothroyd will likely stick by the side that earned a 1-1 draw with Wigan, meaning Lloyd Doyley and Darius Henderson remain on the bench alongside Matt Spring, despite his reserve team winner at Craven Cottage on Tuesday.

Many happy returns for…the legendary Heidar Helguson. If ever a player deserved a warm reception back at his old club, it’s him. Architect of Watford’s survival in the Championship in 2004/05 with 4 goals in the last 5 games, contributing to his season’s tally of 20, Heidar gave everything to Watford during his 6 seasons with the club. Through this service he earned the right to move to the Premiership in order to compete at the highest level, and the funds from his sale undoubtedly provided the ammunition for Watford’s sparkling promotion campaign last season. It’s unlikely Heidar ever expected to play at The Vic again when he left, let alone in the Premiership a little over a year after his departure, but football is full of surprises, and no doubt Heidar will relish the opportunity to salute the supporters who backed him through the good times and the bad over many years. Welcome back H!

A bit of stick for…the ref, most likely, given Watford’s previous experiences with Mike Riley, and the way things have been going so far this season. Ex-scummer Mark Pembridge misses out on a barrel-full of abuse as he is ruled out through injury.

Man to watch – Papa Bouba Diop. The Senegalese man-mountain is a fixture at the heart of the Fulham midfield. Diop, also known as ‘Wardrobe’, is primarily a defensive player, but he provides a big threat at set pieces and has been known to smash in the occasional shot from distance. The clash with Damien Francis in the middle of the pitch could be a key aspect of the game.

It’s a fact – The last time Watford won a Premier League match, Heidar Helguson provided the only goal of the game. It’s unlikely any Watford fans would begrudge Helguson a goal on Monday, so long as the Hornets are victorious!

Man in the middle – Mike Riley (Dirty Leeds)

Expected line-ups:

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

Fulham (4-4-2): Niemi; Rosenior, Knight, Pearce, Queudrue; Routledge, Brown, Diop, Bocanegra; John, McBride.
Subs: Lastuvka, Volz, Claus Jensen, Radzinski, Helguson.

Verdict – Whilst no game at this stage of the season can really be labelled a ‘must-win fixture’, this match is certainly one where Watford should be looking for all three points if we are to make any real impact in the Premiership. With Fulham missing key men in Boa Morte and Bullard, this is a perfect opportunity for us to begin our ascent up the table. So let’s start building.

COME ON YOU ‘ORNS!