Lloyd Doyley returns to the Watford team this afternoon as the Hornets bid to add to their upturn in results against Sheffield United at Vicarage Road.

The popular defender has missed the last five games due to a hamstring injury and returns at the expense of Dale Bennett, who drops to the bench, in the only change from the midweek 1-1 draw at Swansea City.

Doyley’s return means Lee Hodson switches back to his preferred position of right-back as Malky Mackay looks set to keep faith with the same formation that served his side well at The Liberty Swansea.

The Blades may have picked up their first win this year against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday night, but that hasn’t stopped boss Micky Adams from making three changes.

The big news is that Hornets old boy Darius Henderson, who hasn’t played all season due to injury is back, while another familiar face, Lee Williamson, is also in the starting line-up.

On-loan West Bromwich Albion full-back Joe Mattock is the third inclusion, with Daniel Bogdanovic and Richard Cresswell dropping to the bench, while Matthew Lowton misses out.

Watford: Loach; Hodson, Mariappa, Taylor, Doyley; Eustace, Jenkins, Cowie; Deeney, Graham, Buckley. Substitutes: Gilmartin, Bennett, Sordell, Weimann, Mingoia, Whichelow, Thompson.

Sheffield United: Simonsen; Nosworthy, Lowry, Collins, Mattock; Montgomery, Doyle, Williamson, Quinn; Henderson, Vokes. Substitutes: Ertl, Evans, Bogdanovic, Yeates, Cresswell, Bent, Thomas.