Almunia faces late fitness test ahead of Wolves clash (From Watford Observer)
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Watford goalkeeper Manuel Almunia to have late fitness test ahead of trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers
5:38pm Thursday 28th February 2013 in Sport
By Frank Smith, Deputy Group Sports Editor
(Picture: Simon Jacobs)
Manuel Almunia will have a late fitness test to see if he is able to face Wolverhampton Wanderers tomorrow night.
Almunia was substituted in the first half of Saturday’s 2-1 win against Derby County due to a hamstring injury.
The Spaniard was expected to be out for a few weeks but the injury was not as bad as initially feared and he has a chance of making tomorrow's televised contest.
Gianfranco Zola said: “We will decide about Almunia tomorrow [Friday] morning when he will have another test. Luckily it’s not as bad as we thought, we were thinking he was going to miss many more games.”
Jonathan Bond says he is ready to fill the void left by Almunia and Zola has also tipped the youngster to impress if needed.
The 19-year-old could not keep out Jamie Ward’s penalty at the weekend but the Academy graduate made a good stop almost immediately after coming on and claimed several crosses during an accomplished performance.
“I’m ready to step in; I don’t get nervous,” Bond said following the Derby win. “I always have to train well and be ready if called upon.”
“I have no problem with Jonathan and I know he can do a good job for us,” Zola added.
“He is calm, he’s in control and he’s a good goalkeeper so I think we’ll be okay even if Manuel doesn’t make it.”
Daniel Pudil is fit enough to return to the squad following illness and Prince Buaben is also back in full training.
The Hornets have decided to bring in Fulham defender Matthew Briggs due to the injury problems at centre-half but he won’t be eligible for the game with Wolves.
Watford are without three defenders; Neuton and Tommie Hoban remain out and Fitz Hall is not expected to return to training until the latter part of next week. John Eustace and Connor Smith are also still out.
The Hornets currently occupy the second automatic place by goal difference and are eight points behind leaders Cardiff City, although the Welsh club will have two games in hand by the end of tomorrow night's match.
Whilst Watford have won their last three, Wolves have not tasted victory since before Christmas – a run stretching to 12 matches in all competitions.
Comments(31)
Eastsussexhornet
says...
6:20pm Thu 28 Feb 13
DuffmanWFC
says...
6:25pm Thu 28 Feb 13
I'd rather put a 100% fit Bond between the sticks rather then a 70% Almunia!
Let Almunia recover without a rush and have him on the bench for Wolves as I would hate to see Zola forced to use a sub on a goalie if Almunia tweaks his hamstring!
Eastsussexhornet
says...
7:37pm Thu 28 Feb 13
DuffmanWFC wrote:I agree with you I think, on balance, but if I was cynical I would say that he hasn't had much of a chance to let us down!
Yeah I'd rather use Bond, give him a go.. He's young, athletic, eager and he hasn't let us down recently!
I'd rather put a 100% fit Bond between the sticks rather then a 70% Almunia!
Let Almunia recover without a rush and have him on the bench for Wolves as I would hate to see Zola forced to use a sub on a goalie if Almunia tweaks his hamstring!
The BestTrip2011
says...
7:43pm Thu 28 Feb 13
It'll be good to see him given a chance.
Good luck Jonny Bond!
johnnyc72
says...
7:46pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Eastsussexhornet wrote:I think conceding only 3 at Man City is an example of not letting us down. How big a stage does he need to perform on to satisfy you?
DuffmanWFC wrote:I agree with you I think, on balance, but if I was cynical I would say that he hasn't had much of a chance to let us down!
Yeah I'd rather use Bond, give him a go.. He's young, athletic, eager and he hasn't let us down recently!
I'd rather put a 100% fit Bond between the sticks rather then a 70% Almunia!
Let Almunia recover without a rush and have him on the bench for Wolves as I would hate to see Zola forced to use a sub on a goalie if Almunia tweaks his hamstring!
DuffmanWFC
says...
8:03pm Thu 28 Feb 13
watford4ever
says...
8:58pm Thu 28 Feb 13
DuffmanWFC
says...
9:43pm Thu 28 Feb 13
He's apparently good on the ball, quick, not afraid to tackle and quite a good attacking player... So that sounds good to me!
stewbyhorn
says...
10:27pm Thu 28 Feb 13
HornetJJ
says...
10:34pm Thu 28 Feb 13
mellow yellow
says...
8:07am Fri 1 Mar 13
Eastsussexhornet
says...
9:12am Fri 1 Mar 13
johnnyc72 wrote:Oh for god's sake, why be so aggressive? It was just a throw away comment. He hasn't played many games is what I meant. Stating the obvious I know. Yeah, ok, he did well there. Glad he's in the team, good confident goalie, would favour him over Loach any day - is that alright for you?
Eastsussexhornet wrote:I think conceding only 3 at Man City is an example of not letting us down. How big a stage does he need to perform on to satisfy you?
DuffmanWFC wrote:I agree with you I think, on balance, but if I was cynical I would say that he hasn't had much of a chance to let us down!
Yeah I'd rather use Bond, give him a go.. He's young, athletic, eager and he hasn't let us down recently!
I'd rather put a 100% fit Bond between the sticks rather then a 70% Almunia!
Let Almunia recover without a rush and have him on the bench for Wolves as I would hate to see Zola forced to use a sub on a goalie if Almunia tweaks his hamstring!
Sydneyhornet
says...
9:47am Fri 1 Mar 13
I'm off to get some kip and when I wake there will be no point deduction and the Golden Boys on the tele.
COYH
Harry's Bar
says...
10:17am Fri 1 Mar 13
Eastsussexhornet wrote:I think your original point was fair ESH. Bond hasn't endured a "howler" yet. We don't know how he would react. Personally I think he'd be ok, but it could effect him.
johnnyc72 wrote:Oh for god's sake, why be so aggressive? It was just a throw away comment. He hasn't played many games is what I meant. Stating the obvious I know. Yeah, ok, he did well there. Glad he's in the team, good confident goalie, would favour him over Loach any day - is that alright for you?Eastsussexhornet wrote:I think conceding only 3 at Man City is an example of not letting us down. How big a stage does he need to perform on to satisfy you?DuffmanWFC wrote: Yeah I'd rather use Bond, give him a go.. He's young, athletic, eager and he hasn't let us down recently! I'd rather put a 100% fit Bond between the sticks rather then a 70% Almunia! Let Almunia recover without a rush and have him on the bench for Wolves as I would hate to see Zola forced to use a sub on a goalie if Almunia tweaks his hamstring!I agree with you I think, on balance, but if I was cynical I would say that he hasn't had much of a chance to let us down!
Sorry to use your name in a post I made, that was a mistake on my part.
mellow yellow
says...
10:29am Fri 1 Mar 13
http://www.theargus.
co.uk/sport/10260200
._/?
Eastsussexhornet
says...
10:44am Fri 1 Mar 13
Harry's Bar wrote:No problem. Was it about me trying to infiltrate the bus? It amused me in any case! Perish the thought!
Eastsussexhornet wrote:I think your original point was fair ESH. Bond hasn't endured a "howler" yet. We don't know how he would react. Personally I think he'd be ok, but it could effect him.
johnnyc72 wrote:Oh for god's sake, why be so aggressive? It was just a throw away comment. He hasn't played many games is what I meant. Stating the obvious I know. Yeah, ok, he did well there. Glad he's in the team, good confident goalie, would favour him over Loach any day - is that alright for you?Eastsussexhornet wrote:I think conceding only 3 at Man City is an example of not letting us down. How big a stage does he need to perform on to satisfy you?DuffmanWFC wrote: Yeah I'd rather use Bond, give him a go.. He's young, athletic, eager and he hasn't let us down recently! I'd rather put a 100% fit Bond between the sticks rather then a 70% Almunia! Let Almunia recover without a rush and have him on the bench for Wolves as I would hate to see Zola forced to use a sub on a goalie if Almunia tweaks his hamstring!I agree with you I think, on balance, but if I was cynical I would say that he hasn't had much of a chance to let us down!
Sorry to use your name in a post I made, that was a mistake on my part.
Yep...I will feel quite confident if Bond ends up playing. 2nd choice goalies often do play blinders as they try to impress.
2-1 to Watford with Wolves scoring first I reckon.
LesCSP
says...
10:45am Fri 1 Mar 13
Why no WO in the Bucks villages this morning?
Harry's Bar
says...
11:06am Fri 1 Mar 13
Eastsussexhornet wrote:Yes, that was the one.
Harry's Bar wrote:No problem. Was it about me trying to infiltrate the bus? It amused me in any case! Perish the thought! Yep...I will feel quite confident if Bond ends up playing. 2nd choice goalies often do play blinders as they try to impress. 2-1 to Watford with Wolves scoring first I reckon.Eastsussexhornet wrote:I think your original point was fair ESH. Bond hasn't endured a "howler" yet. We don't know how he would react. Personally I think he'd be ok, but it could effect him. Sorry to use your name in a post I made, that was a mistake on my part.johnnyc72 wrote:Oh for god's sake, why be so aggressive? It was just a throw away comment. He hasn't played many games is what I meant. Stating the obvious I know. Yeah, ok, he did well there. Glad he's in the team, good confident goalie, would favour him over Loach any day - is that alright for you?Eastsussexhornet wrote:I think conceding only 3 at Man City is an example of not letting us down. How big a stage does he need to perform on to satisfy you?DuffmanWFC wrote: Yeah I'd rather use Bond, give him a go.. He's young, athletic, eager and he hasn't let us down recently! I'd rather put a 100% fit Bond between the sticks rather then a 70% Almunia! Let Almunia recover without a rush and have him on the bench for Wolves as I would hate to see Zola forced to use a sub on a goalie if Almunia tweaks his hamstring!I agree with you I think, on balance, but if I was cynical I would say that he hasn't had much of a chance to let us down!
Agree about the 2-1 but I predict Watford to start well, miss a hatful of chances and end up nearly rueing the misses as Wolves mount a fightback.
the goatswilly
says...
11:24am Fri 1 Mar 13
What would Ian Holloway say????
Bush Hornet
says...
11:34am Fri 1 Mar 13
Harry's Bar wrote:A mere 2-1? No I think we'll be too strong for them and quality will prevail. At least a convincing 3-1 I should think. Believe.
Eastsussexhornet wrote:Yes, that was the one.
Harry's Bar wrote:No problem. Was it about me trying to infiltrate the bus? It amused me in any case! Perish the thought! Yep...I will feel quite confident if Bond ends up playing. 2nd choice goalies often do play blinders as they try to impress. 2-1 to Watford with Wolves scoring first I reckon.Eastsussexhornet wrote:I think your original point was fair ESH. Bond hasn't endured a "howler" yet. We don't know how he would react. Personally I think he'd be ok, but it could effect him. Sorry to use your name in a post I made, that was a mistake on my part.johnnyc72 wrote:Oh for god's sake, why be so aggressive? It was just a throw away comment. He hasn't played many games is what I meant. Stating the obvious I know. Yeah, ok, he did well there. Glad he's in the team, good confident goalie, would favour him over Loach any day - is that alright for you?Eastsussexhornet wrote:I think conceding only 3 at Man City is an example of not letting us down. How big a stage does he need to perform on to satisfy you?DuffmanWFC wrote: Yeah I'd rather use Bond, give him a go.. He's young, athletic, eager and he hasn't let us down recently! I'd rather put a 100% fit Bond between the sticks rather then a 70% Almunia! Let Almunia recover without a rush and have him on the bench for Wolves as I would hate to see Zola forced to use a sub on a goalie if Almunia tweaks his hamstring!I agree with you I think, on balance, but if I was cynical I would say that he hasn't had much of a chance to let us down!
Agree about the 2-1 but I predict Watford to start well, miss a hatful of chances and end up nearly rueing the misses as Wolves mount a fightback.
Bush Hornet
says...
11:36am Fri 1 Mar 13
the goatswilly wrote:as Mick M would say: I couldn't give a ***** what hollowone would say
How dare Zola consider using a youngster who has come up via the youth team.
What would Ian Holloway say????
Bush Hornet
says...
11:37am Fri 1 Mar 13
Bush Hornet wrote:By the way I like your name. It's like the bees knees or the dogs goolies
the goatswilly wrote:as Mick M would say: I couldn't give a ***** what hollowone would say
How dare Zola consider using a youngster who has come up via the youth team.
What would Ian Holloway say????
D.unstable
says...
1:13pm Fri 1 Mar 13
SAHornet
says...
1:18pm Fri 1 Mar 13
Harry's Bar wrote:So not much new there then :-)
Eastsussexhornet wrote:Yes, that was the one.
Harry's Bar wrote:No problem. Was it about me trying to infiltrate the bus? It amused me in any case! Perish the thought! Yep...I will feel quite confident if Bond ends up playing. 2nd choice goalies often do play blinders as they try to impress. 2-1 to Watford with Wolves scoring first I reckon.Eastsussexhornet wrote:I think your original point was fair ESH. Bond hasn't endured a "howler" yet. We don't know how he would react. Personally I think he'd be ok, but it could effect him. Sorry to use your name in a post I made, that was a mistake on my part.johnnyc72 wrote:Oh for god's sake, why be so aggressive? It was just a throw away comment. He hasn't played many games is what I meant. Stating the obvious I know. Yeah, ok, he did well there. Glad he's in the team, good confident goalie, would favour him over Loach any day - is that alright for you?Eastsussexhornet wrote:I think conceding only 3 at Man City is an example of not letting us down. How big a stage does he need to perform on to satisfy you?DuffmanWFC wrote: Yeah I'd rather use Bond, give him a go.. He's young, athletic, eager and he hasn't let us down recently! I'd rather put a 100% fit Bond between the sticks rather then a 70% Almunia! Let Almunia recover without a rush and have him on the bench for Wolves as I would hate to see Zola forced to use a sub on a goalie if Almunia tweaks his hamstring!I agree with you I think, on balance, but if I was cynical I would say that he hasn't had much of a chance to let us down!
Agree about the 2-1 but I predict Watford to start well, miss a hatful of chances and end up nearly rueing the misses as Wolves mount a fightback.
ooooh, sorry, squeaky bum !
Harry's Bar
says...
1:24pm Fri 1 Mar 13
D.unstable wrote:They call it PMT...pre match tension. Or maybe it should be PMS now... pre match syndrome.
Pre-match nerves are kicking in already.....tick, tock, tick, tock, hoping tonight will kick start an enjoyable weekend for all Watford supporters.
Harry's Bar
says...
1:40pm Fri 1 Mar 13
Boosey
says...
2:09pm Fri 1 Mar 13
Eastsussexhornet wrote:It's a coach not a bus, It is full up due to the fact we don't rip anyone off.
Harry's Bar wrote:No problem. Was it about me trying to infiltrate the bus? It amused me in any case! Perish the thought! Yep...I will feel quite confident if Bond ends up playing. 2nd choice goalies often do play blinders as they try to impress. 2-1 to Watford with Wolves scoring first I reckon.Eastsussexhornet wrote:I think your original point was fair ESH. Bond hasn't endured a "howler" yet. We don't know how he would react. Personally I think he'd be ok, but it could effect him. Sorry to use your name in a post I made, that was a mistake on my part.johnnyc72 wrote:Oh for god's sake, why be so aggressive? It was just a throw away comment. He hasn't played many games is what I meant. Stating the obvious I know. Yeah, ok, he did well there. Glad he's in the team, good confident goalie, would favour him over Loach any day - is that alright for you?Eastsussexhornet wrote:I think conceding only 3 at Man City is an example of not letting us down. How big a stage does he need to perform on to satisfy you?DuffmanWFC wrote: Yeah I'd rather use Bond, give him a go.. He's young, athletic, eager and he hasn't let us down recently! I'd rather put a 100% fit Bond between the sticks rather then a 70% Almunia! Let Almunia recover without a rush and have him on the bench for Wolves as I would hate to see Zola forced to use a sub on a goalie if Almunia tweaks his hamstring!I agree with you I think, on balance, but if I was cynical I would say that he hasn't had much of a chance to let us down!
It costs £10 and because everyone knows each other it's a safe environment for the younger supporters who are travelling.
It is also leaving early for the supporters who like a good drink and banter before the game.
If you can find me a cheaper and safer option please let me know.
On the goalkeeper issue John Bond will do for me,
Harry's Bar
says...
3:31pm Fri 1 Mar 13
Eastsussexhornet
says...
3:36pm Fri 1 Mar 13
Harry's Bar wrote:That was the bones of it in any case...
Someone said we had a skeleton defence.
Eastsussexhornet
says...
3:43pm Fri 1 Mar 13
Boosey wrote:Yep, ok. I won't keep on about buses/coaches or whatever any more but I couldn't resist it.
Eastsussexhornet wrote:It's a coach not a bus, It is full up due to the fact we don't rip anyone off.
Harry's Bar wrote:No problem. Was it about me trying to infiltrate the bus? It amused me in any case! Perish the thought! Yep...I will feel quite confident if Bond ends up playing. 2nd choice goalies often do play blinders as they try to impress. 2-1 to Watford with Wolves scoring first I reckon.Eastsussexhornet wrote:I think your original point was fair ESH. Bond hasn't endured a "howler" yet. We don't know how he would react. Personally I think he'd be ok, but it could effect him. Sorry to use your name in a post I made, that was a mistake on my part.johnnyc72 wrote:Oh for god's sake, why be so aggressive? It was just a throw away comment. He hasn't played many games is what I meant. Stating the obvious I know. Yeah, ok, he did well there. Glad he's in the team, good confident goalie, would favour him over Loach any day - is that alright for you?Eastsussexhornet wrote:I think conceding only 3 at Man City is an example of not letting us down. How big a stage does he need to perform on to satisfy you?DuffmanWFC wrote: Yeah I'd rather use Bond, give him a go.. He's young, athletic, eager and he hasn't let us down recently! I'd rather put a 100% fit Bond between the sticks rather then a 70% Almunia! Let Almunia recover without a rush and have him on the bench for Wolves as I would hate to see Zola forced to use a sub on a goalie if Almunia tweaks his hamstring!I agree with you I think, on balance, but if I was cynical I would say that he hasn't had much of a chance to let us down!
It costs £10 and because everyone knows each other it's a safe environment for the younger supporters who are travelling.
It is also leaving early for the supporters who like a good drink and banter before the game.
If you can find me a cheaper and safer option please let me know.
On the goalkeeper issue John Bond will do for me,
It actually sounds a lot more civilised than the ones I used to go on in the 70's even though they were the official WFC buses. The ones to Coventry and Notts Forest spring to mind with two missing on both occassions on the return trip because they had been arrested. The official train to Man Utd was memorable. The police came down the train instructing us to pull the blinds down as we went through a particularly dodgy part of Manchester in case bricks were thrown at us. Anyway, good luck tonight.
DuffmanWFC says...
6:12pm Thu 28 Feb 13
Sounds like Bond is up for it if asked upon and Almunia's injury isn't as bad as thought... Good news all round!