Similar to 12 months ago, Watford created the better chances during the first half against Blackpool at Bloomfield Road but, like that afternoon, the score remains goalless at the break.

The Hornets will be hoping there isn’t a similar outcome this time around though, after substitute Tom Ince secured a 1-0 win for the Pool in August 2013 following a dominant first-half display from the Golden Boys.

With Juan Carlos Paredes, Ikechi Anya and Daniel Pudil named in the starting XI tonight, it was interesting to see how the Hornets lined up. Oscar Garcia, who was unable to attend due to the chest pains he suffered on Sunday, opted for a 4-2-3-1 with Anya left of the trio behind Troy Deeney and McGugan on the right. Almen Abdi and Daniel Tozser were the two holding players.

Tony McMahon had the first effort of the match for the home side and his curled shot forced Heurelho Gomes to parry wide. Ishmael Miller also had a powerful shot gathered at the second attempt.

But it was the Hornets who created more during the opening period tonight. Deeney had a 20-yard shot tipped wide, as did McGugan with a free-kick, Abdi had an effort from distance saved, Joel Ekstrand’s header rebounded off the post and Ikechi Anya arguably should have scored when through one-on-one, as Lewis saved superbly.

Blackpool could have gone into the break ahead though as in injury-time Donervon Daniels was free to head goalwards at a free-kick. However, Gomes was able to save second time around.

Blackpool: Lewis, McMahon, Daniels, Clarke, J.Oriol, Perkins, Lundstram, Cywka, E.Oriol, Zoko, Miller.

Subs: Parish, Dielna, Rentmeister, Dunne, Delfouneso, Zenjov, Ranger.

Watford: Gomes; Paredes, Ekstrand, Angella, Pudil; Tozser, Abdi; McGugan, Vydra, Anya; Deeney.

Subs: Bond, Tamas, Cathcart, Murray, Fabbrini, Dyer, Ighalo.

Referee: Scott Duncan.