Stick or twist - will Watford make changes tonight? (From Watford Observer)
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Gianfranco Zola has a decision to make; stick with Watford's successful XI or utilise their squad against Bristol City?
12:53pm Tuesday 29th January 2013 in Sport
By Frank Smith, Deputy Group Sports Editor
Will Gianfranco Zola make changes tonight? Fitz Hall was a regular before injury and is back fit again. Picture: Holly Cant
Gianfranco Zola is contemplating making changes for Watford's visit to Bristol City tonight.
Tommie Hoban, Sergio Neuton, Ikechi Anya and Connor Smith are still out and whilst Zola said there were no fresh injuries following Saturday's win, there is a temptation to make alterations - with the likes of Fitz Hall, Jonathan Hogg and Fernando Forestieri all on the bench against Nottingham Forest.
"Making changes is one possibility I am considering but I haven't decided yet," Zola said yesterday afternoon.
"Whoever we play, can cause problems. But we have a team who are doing very well at the moment and they deserve a high consideration."
On the injuries, Zola added: "Tommie hasn't trained with the team yet. He is progressing but he will not be ready for tomorrow.
"We have a couple of players who have niggles but it shouldn't be a problem. Everyone who played on Saturday should be available.
"Along with Hoban and Connor Smith, Sergio Neuton is unavailable and Ikechi Anya is also out.
"Ikechi had a little problem with his hamstring and Sergio is back after a muscle problem three weeks ago but he is not ready yet."
Watford, who could climb into the automatic places tonight with victory in Bristol, drew 2-2 with City in September.
However, the Championship's bottom side have changed manager recently, with Derek McInnes being replaced by Sean O'Driscoll, who was in charge of Nottingham Forest when the Hornets won 2-0 in December.
Zola said: "We played against a Sean O'Driscoll team a month ago so I know a lot about him and I know a lot about Bristol City as well.
"It is a game where we have to play very well because it is never easy in the Championship."
He continued: "In the first game, Bristol were playing a little better than now in terms of league position and since then, they have had a few problems.
"They have a new manager and they beat Ipswich the other day so it certainly won't be easy.
"In this division, you have to treat everyone like they are the best in the league because you will always face a tough game."
Comments(61)
llloydwithathirdl
says...
1:13pm Tue 29 Jan 13
overhere
says...
1:14pm Tue 29 Jan 13
Harry's Bar
says...
1:23pm Tue 29 Jan 13
gloryhornet4
says...
1:31pm Tue 29 Jan 13
Welbourne
Williams
Hale
Garvey
Whalley
Scullion
Garbett
Endean
Lewis
Sub Green
JoeWFC_12
says...
1:31pm Tue 29 Jan 13
I just want us to finish this Bristol lot off, then if Zola wants to make subs, then make them!
Not doubting the talent we have on the bench as we know, we have a very strong bench but like the Charlton game proved, not worth the risk.
A point at Forest would of been more than acceptable but we can't be dropping points tonight!
gloryhornet4
says...
1:34pm Tue 29 Jan 13
gloryhornet4 wrote:Oops forgot Eddy
Walker
Welbourne
Williams
Hale
Garvey
Whalley
Scullion
Garbett
Endean
Lewis
Sub Green
WessexLad
says...
1:35pm Tue 29 Jan 13
lloydinho
says...
1:36pm Tue 29 Jan 13
DuffmanWFC
says...
1:36pm Tue 29 Jan 13
What I don't want seeing is Anya, Yeates, Geijo, Hall, Eustace all starting as that hampers the way we've been playing recently!
My ideal preference is to start with the same side and introduce Geijo, Hall and Forestieri in the second half hoping we are two or three up at the time!
WessexLad
says...
1:36pm Tue 29 Jan 13
AngelHornet
says...
1:38pm Tue 29 Jan 13
Harry's Bar wrote:I agree
Never change a winning team.
Mad Mo
says...
1:42pm Tue 29 Jan 13
Has anyone heard anything on signing any of the players Vydra and co. as it is only two days to the end of the window?
londomollari
says...
1:44pm Tue 29 Jan 13
gloryhornet4 wrote:Not too sure about playing 'Fingers' Walker. (He caught crosses as if he didn't have any)
gloryhornet4 wrote:Oops forgot Eddy
Walker
Welbourne
Williams
Hale
Garvey
Whalley
Scullion
Garbett
Endean
Lewis
Sub Green
eltonsjohn
says...
1:44pm Tue 29 Jan 13
SOD is a canny bloke, so all this talk about changing the team when 3-0 up is disrespectful.
remember, this is the championship, peterborough beat cardiff the other month, so strange things always happen.
i will be happy with an away draw.
would definitely start with hall & ff
JohnnyHornet
says...
1:46pm Tue 29 Jan 13
G_Whiz
says...
1:54pm Tue 29 Jan 13
A lot depends on the opponents and their tactics too of course!
There was only one Scully
says...
1:57pm Tue 29 Jan 13
londomollari wrote:I would always have Bert Slater over Mickey, Mickey Walker and what about Brian Owen to!
gloryhornet4 wrote:Not too sure about playing 'Fingers' Walker. (He caught crosses as if he didn't have any)
gloryhornet4 wrote:Oops forgot Eddy
Walker
Welbourne
Williams
Hale
Garvey
Whalley
Scullion
Garbett
Endean
Lewis
Sub Green
craig239
says...
1:59pm Tue 29 Jan 13
Where's Brian Owen? I think Walley is without the H Not so sure the goal keeper should be Slater
buck-stops
says...
1:59pm Tue 29 Jan 13
Don't see why GFZ would change his successful rotation approach now.
AMP4WFC
says...
2:09pm Tue 29 Jan 13
By the way; Here is a true story from Denmark: I have a little bookstore in the northern part of Denmark (Blokhus) and last summer I had a wide selection of english books for sale in my store. One day, I had a costumer from the UK and he had found quite an impressive selection of english books which he, to my great pleasure wanted to buy. We started talking about all kinds of things and I asked him where he was from in the UK. He replied "Luton".
I was a little worried to tell him that I was a long-time Watford-supporter because I fancied my good health..... Nevertheles WFC-fans are never scared so I told him and to my big surprise he did not beat me into the ground. I asked him if he was into football and he replied "No, not really".
So, there you have, folks. There actually IS people, or at least ONE, from Luton who actually is non-violent and actually can read.
Believe it or not.
3 points tonight, folks ?
londomollari
says...
2:21pm Tue 29 Jan 13
Bringe
says...
2:24pm Tue 29 Jan 13
No good saying never change a winning team. You have to rest players, it is a 50 game season and we have very good back up... That is a big advantage over other teams, use it.
Bringe
says...
2:26pm Tue 29 Jan 13
AMP4WFC wrote:did you check the till and the kids afterwards?
Whoever starts; they better win.....
By the way; Here is a true story from Denmark: I have a little bookstore in the northern part of Denmark (Blokhus) and last summer I had a wide selection of english books for sale in my store. One day, I had a costumer from the UK and he had found quite an impressive selection of english books which he, to my great pleasure wanted to buy. We started talking about all kinds of things and I asked him where he was from in the UK. He replied "Luton".
I was a little worried to tell him that I was a long-time Watford-supporter because I fancied my good health..... Nevertheles WFC-fans are never scared so I told him and to my big surprise he did not beat me into the ground. I asked him if he was into football and he replied "No, not really".
So, there you have, folks. There actually IS people, or at least ONE, from Luton who actually is non-violent and actually can read.
Believe it or not.
3 points tonight, folks ?
Letsalldothecongaforbrittassombalonga
says...
2:26pm Tue 29 Jan 13
I would like to see Eustace start and perhaps even Hogg as i think Bristol might try to out-muscle us in the middle.
Doyley should remain as he is playing well, maybe Hall to come on later.
Anyone who doesnt go with Troy and Matej is insane! Fernando and Geijo to come on but not to start those two, seriously!
Obviously the talent of the new lads is other-wordly but what has impressed me most is the improvement GZ has got out of our existing players.
If the likes of Eustace, Hogg,Yeates, Doyley, Nosworthy, Deeney and to a lesser extent Forsyth and Hoban had played like this last season we may have pipped a playoff place. I really hope that all of the players I just mentioned stay as I feel they still have a lot to offer us.
From reading some of the comments made on this and other sites I would warn against Watford fans getting big-headed. Lets enjoy this (as I am, sooooo much) because God knows we deserve it but lets not start thinking that we are better or too-good for anyone.
One step at a time, dont get me wrong I want promotion this season and believe its achievable. However I also want the foundations being built now to be solid and long-lasting so things should not be done in hast.
We have a great manager and a team-spirit, complemented with genuine ability, that I have not seen at Watford before. Enjoy this time but lets make it last!
Good luck tonight boys, my prediction, 3-1 to us. My Mum and Dad are making the trip over to Bristol to see the game so give them a show Golden boys, dont let me down. COYH!!!!!!!!
McHornet
says...
2:33pm Tue 29 Jan 13
jasonwatford
says...
2:36pm Tue 29 Jan 13
Vicar*o*rage
says...
2:42pm Tue 29 Jan 13
There was only one Scully wrote:Bernie Lewis had a takeaway on St Albans Rd, almost opposite The Harebreaks and Tom Walley still lives in Watford.
londomollari wrote:I would always have Bert Slater over Mickey, Mickey Walker and what about Brian Owen to!
gloryhornet4 wrote:Not too sure about playing 'Fingers' Walker. (He caught crosses as if he didn't have any)
gloryhornet4 wrote:Oops forgot Eddy
Walker
Welbourne
Williams
Hale
Garvey
Whalley
Scullion
Garbett
Endean
Lewis
Sub Green
Micky Walker was a great reaction keeper, but his domination of the goal area was poor. No Roy Sinclair, Ray Lugg, Ken Furphy, a class right back
abbotshornet
says...
2:46pm Tue 29 Jan 13
I would love to give the rest of the squad a run out tonight, I would also love to get 3 points, after the Charlton game I would rather not change things. COYH!
AMP4WFC
says...
2:57pm Tue 29 Jan 13
Bringe wrote:Yes and all was in order but I can understand your concern and I appreciate it.
AMP4WFC wrote:did you check the till and the kids afterwards?
Whoever starts; they better win.....
By the way; Here is a true story from Denmark: I have a little bookstore in the northern part of Denmark (Blokhus) and last summer I had a wide selection of english books for sale in my store. One day, I had a costumer from the UK and he had found quite an impressive selection of english books which he, to my great pleasure wanted to buy. We started talking about all kinds of things and I asked him where he was from in the UK. He replied "Luton".
I was a little worried to tell him that I was a long-time Watford-supporter because I fancied my good health..... Nevertheles WFC-fans are never scared so I told him and to my big surprise he did not beat me into the ground. I asked him if he was into football and he replied "No, not really".
So, there you have, folks. There actually IS people, or at least ONE, from Luton who actually is non-violent and actually can read.
Believe it or not.
3 points tonight, folks ?
Bringe
says...
3:05pm Tue 29 Jan 13
They may be at home but Driscoll is likely to park the bus against and hope they can nick a goal. Forestieri in and around their box is a must and I think Battachio would provide a good attacking option too. Also Cassetti must be rested soon, he is no spring chicken.
I hate counting chickens but if we can't rest players against City then who can we rest them against?
andyhooked
says...
3:07pm Tue 29 Jan 13
AMP4WFC
says...
3:10pm Tue 29 Jan 13
abbotshornet wrote:Dear abbotshornet, I kid U not and it is NO fairytale although it could have been. Nevertheless I was surprised to have met a ""hatter" and lived to tell about it.....
Our Danish friend ascerts he encountered someone from L*t*n who was not violent and could read, we have to bare in mind Denmark is well known for their fairytales.
I would love to give the rest of the squad a run out tonight, I would also love to get 3 points, after the Charlton game I would rather not change things. COYH!
It just occured to me: Perhaps he was a undercover terrorist planning a new attack on Denmark as retaliation for the Muhammed drawings..... or even from EDL...All sorts of terroist seems to have come from Luton lately !!!!!!!!
tomgeehornets
says...
3:11pm Tue 29 Jan 13
Only 2 Ross Jenkins
says...
3:14pm Tue 29 Jan 13
Bringe
says...
3:21pm Tue 29 Jan 13
andyhooked wrote:We still scored 3 it was the midfield that really didn't perform thus putting pressure on our makeshift defence.
We screwed up against Charlton changing a winning forward line and were awful at the back, although some were not available. Bristol City have a new manager and we should pay them respect.
I said beforehand GFZ had changed too much and with Abdi getting hurt it backfired right on cue for the Man City game. But I never said we shouldn't rotate one or two, quite the opposite - we must.
3Lions4Ever
says...
3:29pm Tue 29 Jan 13
gloryhornet4 wrote:Ha ha now that's what I call a team. I fear some of the legs may have gone though.
Walker
Welbourne
Williams
Hale
Garvey
Whalley
Scullion
Garbett
Endean
Lewis
Sub Green
Colin West's mullet
says...
4:01pm Tue 29 Jan 13
LetsalldothecongaforHmm, I think Eustace was the bedrock last season, Hogg impressive and Nos made a big difference when he came in. Yeates was a carthorse that I wouldn't have wasted a bullet on admittedly, and Forsyth flattered to deceive, but Lloyd had a good season, like he always does, and Hoban was still in nappies. Troy had an excellent final third of the season.
brittassombalonga wrote:
Afternoon all-
I would like to see Eustace start and perhaps even Hogg as i think Bristol might try to out-muscle us in the middle.
Doyley should remain as he is playing well, maybe Hall to come on later.
Anyone who doesnt go with Troy and Matej is insane! Fernando and Geijo to come on but not to start those two, seriously!
Obviously the talent of the new lads is other-wordly but what has impressed me most is the improvement GZ has got out of our existing players.
If the likes of Eustace, Hogg,Yeates, Doyley, Nosworthy, Deeney and to a lesser extent Forsyth and Hoban had played like this last season we may have pipped a playoff place. I really hope that all of the players I just mentioned stay as I feel they still have a lot to offer us.
From reading some of the comments made on this and other sites I would warn against Watford fans getting big-headed. Lets enjoy this (as I am, sooooo much) because God knows we deserve it but lets not start thinking that we are better or too-good for anyone.
One step at a time, dont get me wrong I want promotion this season and believe its achievable. However I also want the foundations being built now to be solid and long-lasting so things should not be done in hast.
We have a great manager and a team-spirit, complemented with genuine ability, that I have not seen at Watford before. Enjoy this time but lets make it last!
Good luck tonight boys, my prediction, 3-1 to us. My Mum and Dad are making the trip over to Bristol to see the game so give them a show Golden boys, dont let me down. COYH!!!!!!!!
So basically, of the players you mentioned, only Yeates has undergone a massive transformation.
AMP4WFC
says...
4:07pm Tue 29 Jan 13
WessexLad
says...
4:09pm Tue 29 Jan 13
Only 2 Ross Jenkins wrote:I would have no qualms about resting Cassetti, but definitely not with Yeates as a wing back. With Anya unfit, I'd rather see Doyley pushed forward and Fitz come in.
I have a feeling that Yeates will start in place of Cassetti (rested, not dropped). No need to change the back 3 after 2 clean sheets. As for the attack, well we may see some changes, but only half time tonight.
DouglasRinaldi the better Brazilian
says...
4:33pm Tue 29 Jan 13
It is with deep sadness that I announce that 'super troll' Gianluca Vialli the better Italian was been permanently removed from this website. I'm sure you all (well, those of you not personally insulted by him) will join me in calling for his account to be reinstated.
#PrayForVialli
andyhooked
says...
4:35pm Tue 29 Jan 13
Bringe
says...
4:40pm Tue 29 Jan 13
WessexLad wrote:Think Pudil can play either side so Forsyth would be the obvious choice.
Only 2 Ross Jenkins wrote:I would have no qualms about resting Cassetti, but definitely not with Yeates as a wing back. With Anya unfit, I'd rather see Doyley pushed forward and Fitz come in.
I have a feeling that Yeates will start in place of Cassetti (rested, not dropped). No need to change the back 3 after 2 clean sheets. As for the attack, well we may see some changes, but only half time tonight.
MINTYHORNET
says...
4:48pm Tue 29 Jan 13
RCB Doyley
CB Hall
LCB Ekstrand
RWB Bia
LWB Forsyth
CM Abdi
CM Hogg
CM Chalobah
ST Forestieri
ST Geijo
Subs
Bond
Nosworthy
Pudil
Cassetti
Battachio
Vydra
Deeney
tiger bay
says...
4:51pm Tue 29 Jan 13
3Lions4Ever wrote:Wheres Walter Lees?? Maybe a couple of years later but Colin Franks and John Farley???
gloryhornet4 wrote:Ha ha now that's what I call a team. I fear some of the legs may have gone though.
Walker
Welbourne
Williams
Hale
Garvey
Whalley
Scullion
Garbett
Endean
Lewis
Sub Green
Roger "Studs" Joslyn
says...
4:56pm Tue 29 Jan 13
MINTYHORNET wrote:6 Changes from Saturday - are you sure? Never change a winning team, thats my motto. Start from a position of strength and change later if things are goung well. The last time we made that many changes we all know what happened. Bringing on subs to chase a game when you are losing isn't easy.
GK Alumnia
RCB Doyley
CB Hall
LCB Ekstrand
RWB Bia
LWB Forsyth
CM Abdi
CM Hogg
CM Chalobah
ST Forestieri
ST Geijo
Subs
Bond
Nosworthy
Pudil
Cassetti
Battachio
Vydra
Deeney
LesCSP
says...
5:01pm Tue 29 Jan 13
francowatford
says...
5:27pm Tue 29 Jan 13
wheelsonfire
says...
5:32pm Tue 29 Jan 13
Wish people would stop rubbishing GFZ for the Charlton game. The forwards were not to blame they scored 3 and could have had half a dozen more with a bit of luck.
The problems were in defence and I'm shore he learnt a lot from that game and wont be afraid to change the team again when necesary. Bristol City's new manager is a very shrewed geyser so we have to be carefull.
MINTYHORNET
says...
5:44pm Tue 29 Jan 13
Roger "Studs" Joslyn wrote:Thats what I think GFZ will do although i would like to see Vydra and Geijo up front.COYH.
MINTYHORNET wrote:6 Changes from Saturday - are you sure? Never change a winning team, thats my motto. Start from a position of strength and change later if things are goung well. The last time we made that many changes we all know what happened. Bringing on subs to chase a game when you are losing isn't easy.
GK Alumnia
RCB Doyley
CB Hall
LCB Ekstrand
RWB Bia
LWB Forsyth
CM Abdi
CM Hogg
CM Chalobah
ST Forestieri
ST Geijo
Subs
Bond
Nosworthy
Pudil
Cassetti
Battachio
Vydra
Deeney
Bringe
says...
5:50pm Tue 29 Jan 13
No one rubbished GFZ but he prioritized the wrong game ... understandable because of it's magnitude but it totally backfired.
Hopemole
says...
5:54pm Tue 29 Jan 13
rousman 2
says...
6:05pm Tue 29 Jan 13
MINTYHORNET wrote:Why leave Nosworthy out he has been just about our best defender in the last 3 games leave the back three as they are.
Roger "Studs" Joslyn wrote:Thats what I think GFZ will do although i would like to see Vydra and Geijo up front.COYH.
MINTYHORNET wrote:6 Changes from Saturday - are you sure? Never change a winning team, thats my motto. Start from a position of strength and change later if things are goung well. The last time we made that many changes we all know what happened. Bringing on subs to chase a game when you are losing isn't easy.
GK Alumnia
RCB Doyley
CB Hall
LCB Ekstrand
RWB Bia
LWB Forsyth
CM Abdi
CM Hogg
CM Chalobah
ST Forestieri
ST Geijo
Subs
Bond
Nosworthy
Pudil
Cassetti
Battachio
Vydra
Deeney
tommy gunn
says...
6:12pm Tue 29 Jan 13
holtonian
says...
6:18pm Tue 29 Jan 13
DouglasRinaldi the better Brazilian
says...
6:24pm Tue 29 Jan 13
grahamwfc
says...
6:53pm Tue 29 Jan 13
MINTYHORNET wrote:WTF
GK Alumnia
RCB Doyley
CB Hall
LCB Ekstrand
RWB Bia
LWB Forsyth
CM Abdi
CM Hogg
CM Chalobah
ST Forestieri
ST Geijo
Subs
Bond
Nosworthy
Pudil
Cassetti
Battachio
Vydra
Deeney
DARK ROOM PLEASE NURSE!
londomollari
says...
7:00pm Tue 29 Jan 13
Boosey
says...
7:50pm Tue 29 Jan 13
DouglasRinaldi the better Brazilian wrote:Please let Vialli back in, I love the trading of insults. W.O. It's only light hearted fun.
Friends, Watfordians, Countrymen, It is with deep sadness that I announce that 'super troll' Gianluca Vialli the better Italian was been permanently removed from this website. I'm sure you all (well, those of you not personally insulted by him) will join me in calling for his account to be reinstated. #PrayForVialli
chrisptrifle
says...
8:07pm Tue 29 Jan 13
lutondown
says...
9:50pm Tue 29 Jan 13
Boosey wrote:Vialli in
DouglasRinaldi the better Brazilian wrote:Please let Vialli back in, I love the trading of insults. W.O. It's only light hearted fun.
Friends, Watfordians, Countrymen, It is with deep sadness that I announce that 'super troll' Gianluca Vialli the better Italian was been permanently removed from this website. I'm sure you all (well, those of you not personally insulted by him) will join me in calling for his account to be reinstated. #PrayForVialli
Harry's Bar says...
1:00pm Tue 29 Jan 13