Fulham defender Matthew Briggs may have to wait for full Watford debut

4:01pm Monday 4th March 2013 in Sport Photograph of the Author By Frank Smith, Deputy Group Sports Editor

Picture: Action Images Picture: Action Images

Watford goalkeeper Manuel Almunia could miss tomorrow night's game with Sheffield Wednesday and new signing Matthew Briggs may have to wait for his full debut.

Almunia has been struggling with a hamstring injury and was left out of the squad for Friday night's 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Speaking this afternoon, head coach Gianfranco Zola said: "We will wait until tomorrow morning to decide on Manuel because we are still not sure if he will be part of the squad tomorrow. We don't want to take any risks."

Almunia was replaced by youngster Jonathan Bond and the Academy graduate had an impressive full debut at Molineux.

Zola said: "Jonathan Bond was very good on Friday and that was a relief because we know we can rely on him."

Watford signed Fulham defender Briggs on Friday but he was ineligible for the Wolves fixture.

Zola usually picks a squad of around 20 players which is then reduced to a match-day 18. The Hornets' head coach has said Briggs is likely to be the only addition to his initial squad but there is no guarantee the new signing will be included.

"I will have the same squad as the other night but add in Matthew Briggs," Zola said.

"He trained with us today and tomorrow he should be in the squad - we don't know if he will be on the bench or not.

"He has only trained twice but he has done well and we are very pleased."

Fitz Hall has been training individually and should return with the rest of the squad on Wednesday.

John Eustace and Neuton are also not fully fit and Geoffrey Mujangi Bia is expected to train again on Wednesday following a hamstring problem. Connor Smith is still out.

Comments(14)

Boosey says...
4:11pm Mon 4 Mar 13

Well that's all sorted then, Chris Bottom's team selection it is!

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lutondown says...
5:00pm Mon 4 Mar 13

And a good one it is! Love to see FF behind striker(s) in a no pressure nuisance role ala Sheff Weds/Huddersfield away where he was unplayable.
Hope it's Bond again too, the boy looks a class act. He deserved a clean sheet on Friday!

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Boosey says...
5:14pm Mon 4 Mar 13

A little boy said to his mum; Mum where's my new Luton shirt? She replied; I washed it and it's hanging on the line, The little boy looked out of the window and cried, mum, it's lying in the mud!
Mum replies; Some bugger has stolen the pegs!

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garston 'orn says...
5:18pm Mon 4 Mar 13

After Bonds performance the other day, i would like to see him be cheered on at the vic. Looks more confident on the ball than almunia.
Whereas i think zola sould start forestieri to try and build his confindence, i reckon once he nicks one many will follow.
Tommorow team:

Bond
Doyley
Erkstrand
Nos
Casseti
Ikechi
Hogg
Chabs
Almen
Forestieri
Big troy

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andyhooked says...
5:22pm Mon 4 Mar 13

Hmm. Such a disappointment on Friday 2 points dropped and no fault of Jonathan Bond. Missed chances etc. etc. Must get 6 points this weeks and then do Barnsley away before the break. Hope Vydra is not picked for the Czech Republic or if he is he does not play all the game and get crocked. He needs as rest and we need him. Just goes to show that the other forward loanees are a long way short of being reliable guys to bang it into the net.

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WessexLad says...
5:35pm Mon 4 Mar 13

garston 'orn wrote:
After Bonds performance the other day, i would like to see him be cheered on at the vic. Looks more confident on the ball than almunia.
Whereas i think zola sould start forestieri to try and build his confindence, i reckon once he nicks one many will follow.
Tommorow team:

Bond
Doyley
Erkstrand
Nos
Casseti
Ikechi
Hogg
Chabs
Almen
Forestieri
Big troy
Cassetti for Hogg (and captain); Anya for Cassetti; Pudil for Anya.

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mk6 hornet says...
6:16pm Mon 4 Mar 13

Shhhh do not tell holloway he will be very unhappy

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wheelsonfire says...
7:10pm Mon 4 Mar 13

Like to see Geijo in the starting line up. Thought Deeney was very poor again on Friday. Apparently he still has not signed his contract. Does he want away in the summer for his boyhood team Brum City or perhaps back to Walsall where he came from. Be good if we could get some money for him now!!
Afraid he will not be good enough if we go up!!!

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Bringe says...
7:31pm Mon 4 Mar 13

I'm guessing Briggs might need a week to accustom himself to our attacking ways. However he need not be too disappointed because a little quality Italian coaching can only add to his game.

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garston 'orn says...
8:09pm Mon 4 Mar 13

WessexLad wrote:
garston 'orn wrote:
After Bonds performance the other day, i would like to see him be cheered on at the vic. Looks more confident on the ball than almunia.
Whereas i think zola sould start forestieri to try and build his confindence, i reckon once he nicks one many will follow.
Tommorow team:

Bond
Doyley
Erkstrand
Nos
Casseti
Ikechi
Hogg
Chabs
Almen
Forestieri
Big troy
Cassetti for Hogg (and captain); Anya for Cassetti; Pudil for Anya.
Is pudil going to be fit? and wouldnt be suprised if Geijo and forestieri start upfront together

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holtonian says...
9:54pm Mon 4 Mar 13

Its nice to see that supporters clearly see just how good Fernando is.Its just a matter of time untill he takes defences apart.

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northofwatfordpete says...
9:51am Tue 5 Mar 13

Personally I think FF is a luxury we can ill afford at present. His recent performances have been very poor and I would rather play Alex Geijo alongside Deeney and or Vydra.

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Bringe says...
3:17pm Tue 5 Mar 13

northofwatfordpete wrote:
Personally I think FF is a luxury we can ill afford at present. His recent performances have been very poor and I would rather play Alex Geijo alongside Deeney and or Vydra.
so you really think getting in 3 scoring position in 12 minutes is very poor? Vydra managed just one all game (and missed).
Sorry Pete but you couldn't be more wrong and just maybe on another day they will all go in.

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ChorleywoodHornet says...
3:21pm Tue 5 Mar 13

Would love to see Fessi play behind Deeney and Vydra, maybe give Chalobah a rest and play Abdi and Battochio as the midfield two?

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