After conflicting FA Cup experiences for both teams last week, both Watford and Reading return to league action as they face off at Vicarage Road.
Watford manager Sean Dyche – ”You’ve got Jobi McAnuff, Bryn Gunnarsson and Nigel Gibbs, of course, so perhaps more so than most there’s reasons on both sides that we’re going to have a good understanding of the challenges the opposition might offer. Brian and Nigel will have picked a lot of things from past experiences, with an influence or two from Steve Coppell I’m sure in terms of style.’
Reading boss Brian McDermott – ‘ ‘We need to put last week to bed. We had a bad day, now we need to respond. You get praise when you win and stick when you lose, and we probably deserved it because we didn’t turn up on the day.’
Goalkeeper Scott Loach is set to return in goal after serving his one match suspension. Defender Martin Taylor is still injured, so Nyron Nosworthy will once again deputise. Midfielder Stephen McGinn is also unavailable.
The former Walsall striker is starting to find a bit of form at Vicarage Road after a slow start
Captain and former Hornet Jobi McAnuff is set to be out with a groin problem, while Mikele Leigertwood and Andy Griffin are also doubts. Jimmy Kebe should have recovered from a knee problem that left him out against Stevenage.
The Australian international is probably in the form of his life at the moment. Kept the scoreline very respectable against Stevenage, could be destined for a big move this month.
Watford are a bit of bogey team for us, I’ll happily take a 1-1 draw.
Watford – Birmingham (A) – 21st January – nPower Championship
Reading – Hull (H) – 21st January – nPower Championship