'New faces' could line-up for Watford against Sheffield Wednesday but Ikechi Anya is out

4:33pm Monday 26th November 2012 in Watford FC News By Tom Allnutt

Ikechi Anya is out of tomorrow night's game. Picture: Holly Cant Ikechi Anya is out of tomorrow night's game. Picture: Holly Cant

Gianfranco Zola admits there could be some "new faces" in Watford’s starting line-up against Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow night as his side prepare to play their second game in four days.

A 2-2 draw with Blackpool on Saturday saw the Hornets extend their unbeaten run to five matches but Zola suggested he may rotate his squad against Dave Jones’ team to keep his players fresh.

"I think there is a possibility we might see some new faces, but I don’t know how many at the moment," the Watford boss told the Watford Observer this afternoon.

"We know that when we play games in quick succession we can rotate because we have a big squad with good players so we need to take advantage of that."

One player Zola said he would be pleased to see back is Jonathan Hogg, who is available again after returning from suspension, while Geoffrey Mujangi Bia could feature after returning to full fitness.

Zola said: "It is good to have Jonathan Hogg back. Obviously he is an important player for us and we will be glad to have him available again."

Almen Abdi , Prince Buaben and Sergio Neuton have all returned to training but the trio are not yet match fit and are therefore unlikely to play a part.

"Abdi is not available for this game - it shouldn’t be long before he’s back but he is not available for this match. He is training on his own and he is not training with the team yet," Zola said.

"Prince Buaben joined us for the first time today (Monday) so he is not available because he is not match fit at the moment.

"Neuton has recovered but he has trained with us only twice so he is not match fit either."

Young goalkeeper Jonathan Bond picked up an injury in the warm-up against Blackpool while Ikechi Anya also sustained a knock during the match and is struggling to recover in time.

Lloyd Doyley (calf), Nyron Nosworthy (hamstring) and John Eustace (back) also remained sidelined.

Watford’s recent run of good form provides a stark contrast to their opponents who have lost their last four matches on the bounce.

Zola said his team will be looking to capitalise on any nerves Wednesday may have but insisted the Hornets would have to be at their best to win.

"We are on a good run but in the Championship there are no easy games," he said.

"We are going to have to play our best tomorrow because they are not going to make it easy for us.

"They are struggling a bit at the moment and we need to make sure we take advantage of that so getting a goal and creating problems will be important."

Former Hornets defender Martin Taylor will be facing his old club for the first time since his switch to Hillsborough in August.

Zola added: "It will be a pleasure for me to see him - Martin is a player who has got my utmost respect."

Comments(43)

KeithMercer says...
5:07pm Mon 26 Nov 12

Murray in for Yeates would be a good start ! and a gentle kick up the backside for Chalobar !!

Report this post »

strummerjoe says...
5:30pm Mon 26 Nov 12

Do you go to any matches? Yeates had an excellent game Saturday, and his experience was sorely missed when he went off. And you propose an 18 year old alongside a 17 year old Chalobah and a 20 year old Battochio. Glad you are not in charge of team selection,

Report this post »

Bush Hornet says...
5:52pm Mon 26 Nov 12

ooh harsh rebuke Strummerjoe! Yeates was good but only for 45 mins so his substitution on Sat was justified. You've got a point about the youngsters, and Chalobah is inconsistent. Expect to see Hogg in there. Without Abdi's workrate I think Hogg was missed. (By the way I wasn't there but I just thought I'd venture an opinion because I'm bored).

Report this post »

KeithMercer says...
5:59pm Mon 26 Nov 12

Excellent game ! really ?
and who said anything about Chalobah, Battochio and Murray alongside each other ?
Yes I do go to matches and obviously judge players by a higher standard than you do. If Yeates was excellent on Saturday you easily pleased and god help us you dont hand contracts out at the end of season.

Report this post »

lutondown says...
6:03pm Mon 26 Nov 12

Agree with you Keith, I did go. Yeates was good for first twenty five then it all went to his head, taking daft shots rather than the obvious pass etc. that is his downfall. If Abdi not available then your central line up is good. BTW those knocking Battachio, obviously did not go, his pass led to first goal. No one performed after thirty five minutes, but that was mainly down to a good Blackpool side and inexperience. Hogg was woeful v Wolves, now hes the saviour? Lol

Report this post »

SAHornet says...
6:13pm Mon 26 Nov 12

I have to say that I don't think that I've ever known a Watford team so constantly riddled with injuries and suspensions. Opinions?

Report this post »

Bush Hornet says...
6:16pm Mon 26 Nov 12

LD you know that Hogg could've been useful against a purposeful 2nd half showing from Blackpool. Not a saviour though, that is stretching things

Report this post »

rousman 2 says...
6:29pm Mon 26 Nov 12

Think ourselves lucky Rafa Benitez could be in charge of things !!! as far as Yeates he is not great but not as bad as some people think.

Report this post »

Bush Hornet says...
6:42pm Mon 26 Nov 12

well I just read that Dave Jones has been backed by their chairman :-) so until we beat them they won't have 'new manager effect'... I was slightly concerned he was gonna get axed just before we met them and the team would start playing again

Report this post »

Endean was our King says...
6:53pm Mon 26 Nov 12

lutondown wrote:
Agree with you Keith, I did go. Yeates was good for first twenty five then it all went to his head, taking daft shots rather than the obvious pass etc. that is his downfall. If Abdi not available then your central line up is good. BTW those knocking Battachio, obviously did not go, his pass led to first goal. No one performed after thirty five minutes, but that was mainly down to a good Blackpool side and inexperience. Hogg was woeful v Wolves, now hes the saviour? Lol
Sorry, but do not agree. Yeats was a key player for most of the first half, held it together and enabled Chalobah and Battocahhio to exploit their back four which, led to us going 2 up. I cannot understand why you cannot see how vital Hogg is to our team at the moment. He is a natural replacement for Eustace and thats why Abdi is able to boss the midfield accordingly.
Look at the bigger picture not just at your opinion of certain players.
You orns.

Report this post »

lutondown says...
7:13pm Mon 26 Nov 12

Endean was our King wrote:
lutondown wrote:
Agree with you Keith, I did go. Yeates was good for first twenty five then it all went to his head, taking daft shots rather than the obvious pass etc. that is his downfall. If Abdi not available then your central line up is good. BTW those knocking Battachio, obviously did not go, his pass led to first goal. No one performed after thirty five minutes, but that was mainly down to a good Blackpool side and inexperience. Hogg was woeful v Wolves, now hes the saviour? Lol
Sorry, but do not agree. Yeats was a key player for most of the first half, held it together and enabled Chalobah and Battocahhio to exploit their back four which, led to us going 2 up. I cannot understand why you cannot see how vital Hogg is to our team at the moment. He is a natural replacement for Eustace and thats why Abdi is able to boss the midfield accordingly.
Look at the bigger picture not just at your opinion of certain players.
You orns.
I see what I see, and you see it differently. Yeates held it together? Lol, how do you do that when you spend most of the time looking down at your boots? As for Hoggs vitality to the team, again I see it different, he often slows down quick movement.
And don't try understanding me, and I won't you. I respect your opinion and that's enough.

Bush, you are probably right, Hogg might of added the needed gnarl, but I think it was a case of Blackpools pecker being up, and would have been very hard to contain.

Report this post »

lutondown says...
7:14pm Mon 26 Nov 12

lutondown wrote:
Endean was our King wrote:
lutondown wrote:
Agree with you Keith, I did go. Yeates was good for first twenty five then it all went to his head, taking daft shots rather than the obvious pass etc. that is his downfall. If Abdi not available then your central line up is good. BTW those knocking Battachio, obviously did not go, his pass led to first goal. No one performed after thirty five minutes, but that was mainly down to a good Blackpool side and inexperience. Hogg was woeful v Wolves, now hes the saviour? Lol
Sorry, but do not agree. Yeats was a key player for most of the first half, held it together and enabled Chalobah and Battocahhio to exploit their back four which, led to us going 2 up. I cannot understand why you cannot see how vital Hogg is to our team at the moment. He is a natural replacement for Eustace and thats why Abdi is able to boss the midfield accordingly.
Look at the bigger picture not just at your opinion of certain players.
You orns.
I see what I see, and you see it differently. Yeates held it together? Lol, how do you do that when you spend most of the time looking down at your boots? As for Hoggs vitality to the team, again I see it different, he often slows down quick movement.
And don't try understanding me, and I won't you. I respect your opinion and that's enough.

Bush, you are probably right, Hogg might of added the needed gnarl, but I think it was a case of Blackpools pecker being up, and would have been very hard to contain.
Oh by the way, Endean really was the king!

Report this post »

lutondown says...
7:16pm Mon 26 Nov 12

SAHornet wrote:
I have to say that I don't think that I've ever known a Watford team so constantly riddled with injuries and suspensions. Opinions?
They got injured and they got booked..is all! But it will no doubt be Pozzos fault in some people's books.
Bring back Bas and FF to the blue square!

Report this post »

JohnnyBarnes says...
8:34pm Mon 26 Nov 12

This season is incredibly useful. No pressure to go up, a massive squad to test - all of whom are learning to play in different positions and systems - and a bunch of players loving their football. One the squad's down to a sensible size, we'll be able to chop and change at the drop of a hat without losing any quality.

Wouldn't mind Eustace and Abdi back fairly sharpish though... as talented as these kids are, a bit of calm and experience wouldn't go amiss.

Report this post »

In GT We Trust says...
8:52pm Mon 26 Nov 12

SAHornet wrote:
I have to say that I don't think that I've ever known a Watford team so constantly riddled with injuries and suspensions. Opinions?
I suspect that due to the size of our squad minor injuries that might be termed a 'knock' in a smaller squad and played on through are treated with more caution. Why risk it when you have strength in depth? Better to rest the player give another one a chance.

Report this post »

D.unstable says...
9:01pm Mon 26 Nov 12

JohnnyBarnes wrote:
This season is incredibly useful. No pressure to go up, a massive squad to test - all of whom are learning to play in different positions and systems - and a bunch of players loving their football. One the squad's down to a sensible size, we'll be able to chop and change at the drop of a hat without losing any quality.

Wouldn't mind Eustace and Abdi back fairly sharpish though... as talented as these kids are, a bit of calm and experience wouldn't go amiss.
Sensible post JB, indeed no pressure to go up but the more you witness the potential of this amazing squad of talent that we have been blessed, mixed with the flare of a genius such as Zola, many cannot help but raise expectation. This league is all about consistency and it will not be long before we start to boss it and teams will start to fear us.

Yes very unfortunate that we have lost a couple of similar pairings at the same time such as Hall and Nossy and also Eustace and Abdi, however not done too badly without.

Will be an interesting January to see who departs, but wouldn't rule out a further additional player or two in certain positions to give us a push if we are still in a smilar position in reach of a play off spot.

God bless you Mr Pozzo and your family

Report this post »

AngelHornet says...
9:24pm Mon 26 Nov 12

Hogg in for Battochio or Chalobah and possibly Cassetti in for Anya.That is
unless GZ is thnking of putting Bia on in place of Anya.

Report this post »

Bringe says...
9:37pm Mon 26 Nov 12

KeithMercer wrote:
Murray in for Yeates would be a good start ! and a gentle kick up the backside for Chalobar !!
Your probably the fella that sat behind in the east stand and mercilessly barracked Stewart for 90 minutes every home game whether he played well or not and that includes MOM performances ....
.... Opinion invalid, move along there's nothing to see here.

Report this post »

mickallen57 says...
9:46pm Mon 26 Nov 12

I wonder if John Eustace will ever be a big part player in this team again.As influential as he has been in the past I wonder if he is past his sell by date.
Then again I said that Doyley would never kick a ball in anger again.So what do I know?

I would like to see Sean Murray used a bit more .He can allways pull something out of the bag,COYH

Report this post »

lutondown says...
9:58pm Mon 26 Nov 12

Bringe wrote:
KeithMercer wrote:
Murray in for Yeates would be a good start ! and a gentle kick up the backside for Chalobar !!
Your probably the fella that sat behind in the east stand and mercilessly barracked Stewart for 90 minutes every home game whether he played well or not and that includes MOM performances ....
.... Opinion invalid, move along there's nothing to see here.
Why would that be Bri? You have plenty of opinions, as it happens so do we all.

Report this post »

DuffmanWFC says...
10:00pm Mon 26 Nov 12

Yeates has improved the last few games but for me he still squanders some great opportunities for us with some poor passing or deciding to go for glory rather then passing to a player in a better position!
Some moan on here about our lack of ability to kill off teams and conceading late goals and dropping points but Yeates has been quilty of some really bad decisions that doesn't help us to put games to bed!
Don't get me wrong I ain't no Yeates basher but we do have better players and better options!
Would be nice to see Murray start to give him a boost!

Report this post »

Holly68 says...
10:34pm Mon 26 Nov 12

In GT We Trust wrote:
SAHornet wrote:
I have to say that I don't think that I've ever known a Watford team so constantly riddled with injuries and suspensions. Opinions?
I suspect that due to the size of our squad minor injuries that might be termed a 'knock' in a smaller squad and played on through are treated with more caution. Why risk it when you have strength in depth? Better to rest the player give another one a chance.
Good point, exactly how it is !

Report this post »

Holly68 says...
10:44pm Mon 26 Nov 12

IMO

Yeates has improved and the Zola system suits his style, but he still hasn't learnt that it's a TEAM GAME

I think he starts a match with the right intention, but then he forgets and then plays for himself, wanting the glory.

Maybe he thinks he has to do magical things to win over the fans, when all the fans want is consistency and true team play, digging in, passing, working hard will win everyone over than an odd worldy shot !

In terms of Hogg, he works hard, but now we have better technically gifted players you can now see the difference in ability, highlighted in Wolves game, he had 3 or 4 great chances in great positions but screwed them all, whereas Abdi would've finished em all, so the bar has risen !

Here's to three points tomorrow and get behind everyone

Report this post »

KeithMercer says...
10:47pm Mon 26 Nov 12

Bringe wrote:
KeithMercer wrote:
Murray in for Yeates would be a good start ! and a gentle kick up the backside for Chalobar !!
Your probably the fella that sat behind in the east stand and mercilessly barracked Stewart for 90 minutes every home game whether he played well or not and that includes MOM performances ....
.... Opinion invalid, move along there's nothing to see here.
I can assure you bringe that was not me as first of all I sit in the Rookery and secondly I have never booed or barracked a Watford player whilst on the pitch. You are getting confused with someone that has an opinion and is prepared to voice it and someone that has not got a clue and likes the sound of their own voice.(kettle Pot black) spring to mind. JOG ON !!
ps dont remember those Jordan Stewart MOM performances !! we must have different criteria for judging players abilities . JOG ON AGAIN !!

Report this post »

D.unstable says...
10:49pm Mon 26 Nov 12

I think that Yeates has come along way under Zola and does clearly have something to offer. The thing for me at the moment is that you do not know which Yeates will turn up and if he will make an impact. Good squad player though and I can see why he makes it in to the match day squad as often as he does. Not in my starting eleven but streets ahead of the likes of Jenkins and Garner that we're clearly out of their depth.

Report this post »

lutondown says...
10:55pm Mon 26 Nov 12

D.unstable wrote:
I think that Yeates has come along way under Zola and does clearly have something to offer. The thing for me at the moment is that you do not know which Yeates will turn up and if he will make an impact. Good squad player though and I can see why he makes it in to the match day squad as often as he does. Not in my starting eleven but streets ahead of the likes of Jenkins and Garner that we're clearly out of their depth.
Dusty, on Saturday I thought his opening 25 was very good, but he then decided to go insular. I think maybe that was the problem collectively. We went two up with ease, the players stopped doing what they had been and we fans were booking our tickets to old Trafford.
Anyway whoever wears the shirt I support, but after the game they are judged. That's the same for all of us in our differing roles.
Chippy Saturday?!

Report this post »

Holly68 says...
11:02pm Mon 26 Nov 12

lutondown wrote:
D.unstable wrote:
I think that Yeates has come along way under Zola and does clearly have something to offer. The thing for me at the moment is that you do not know which Yeates will turn up and if he will make an impact. Good squad player though and I can see why he makes it in to the match day squad as often as he does. Not in my starting eleven but streets ahead of the likes of Jenkins and Garner that we're clearly out of their depth.
Dusty, on Saturday I thought his opening 25 was very good, but he then decided to go insular. I think maybe that was the problem collectively. We went two up with ease, the players stopped doing what they had been and we fans were booking our tickets to old Trafford.
Anyway whoever wears the shirt I support, but after the game they are judged. That's the same for all of us in our differing roles.
Chippy Saturday?!
Your right LD

Even I was thinking at 2-0 "now we will be seventh and on a roll"

This "draw" may stop us losing games in future ie. learning curve

Report this post »

D.unstable says...
11:19pm Mon 26 Nov 12

lutondown wrote:
D.unstable wrote:
I think that Yeates has come along way under Zola and does clearly have something to offer. The thing for me at the moment is that you do not know which Yeates will turn up and if he will make an impact. Good squad player though and I can see why he makes it in to the match day squad as often as he does. Not in my starting eleven but streets ahead of the likes of Jenkins and Garner that we're clearly out of their depth.
Dusty, on Saturday I thought his opening 25 was very good, but he then decided to go insular. I think maybe that was the problem collectively. We went two up with ease, the players stopped doing what they had been and we fans were booking our tickets to old Trafford.
Anyway whoever wears the shirt I support, but after the game they are judged. That's the same for all of us in our differing roles.
Chippy Saturday?!
Let me know what time you will be in the fine dining area and I will do my best...kids to despatch etc beforehand, if not may call in the red lion for a quick shandy.

Got to pick up 3 points tomorrow, you going?

Report this post »

Holly68 says...
11:30pm Mon 26 Nov 12

He is coming with me now, and to think I hardly know him LOL

Report this post »

D.unstable says...
11:37pm Mon 26 Nov 12

Holly68 wrote:
He is coming with me now, and to think I hardly know him LOL
What was that film called when the hitchhiker kills the guy in the service station and locks him in the trunk?

Report this post »

Holly68 says...
11:41pm Mon 26 Nov 12

D.unstable wrote:
Holly68 wrote:
He is coming with me now, and to think I hardly know him LOL
What was that film called when the hitchhiker kills the guy in the service station and locks him in the trunk?
LOL

Report this post »

D.unstable says...
11:42pm Mon 26 Nov 12

D.unstable wrote:
Holly68 wrote:
He is coming with me now, and to think I hardly know him LOL
What was that film called when the hitchhiker kills the guy in the service station and locks him in the trunk?
Oh that was it, "my soccer team didn't win and I just lost it" you must have seen it Holly.

Report this post »

Hampshire hornet says...
11:59pm Mon 26 Nov 12

D.unstable wrote:
D.unstable wrote:
Holly68 wrote:
He is coming with me now, and to think I hardly know him LOL
What was that film called when the hitchhiker kills the guy in the service station and locks him in the trunk?
Oh that was it, "my soccer team didn't win and I just lost it" you must have seen it Holly.
wasnt it Something about Mary!

Report this post »

lutondown says...
5:51am Tue 27 Nov 12

Hey I'm still here you know!
Holly, just do as I say..you'll be fine! :-)

Report this post »

lutondown says...
5:52am Tue 27 Nov 12

Hampshire hornet wrote:
D.unstable wrote:
D.unstable wrote:
Holly68 wrote:
He is coming with me now, and to think I hardly know him LOL
What was that film called when the hitchhiker kills the guy in the service station and locks him in the trunk?
Oh that was it, "my soccer team didn't win and I just lost it" you must have seen it Holly.
wasnt it Something about Mary!
Please don't call me Mary!

Report this post »

Mickey Quinn, not so thin says...
7:42am Tue 27 Nov 12

D.unstable wrote:
Holly68 wrote:
He is coming with me now, and to think I hardly know him LOL
What was that film called when the hitchhiker kills the guy in the service station and locks him in the trunk?
Great line D !!

Report this post »

Holly68 says...
8:40am Tue 27 Nov 12

We're going by Helicopter !

Report this post »

Travelling Hornet says...
9:08am Tue 27 Nov 12

Where are people meeting for a pre match bevy?

Report this post »

Penrice says...
9:36am Tue 27 Nov 12

Can I just say, if (when!) we take a two-nil lead this time, can we actually continue to attack rather than persist with this ridiculous 'have-what-we-hold' mentality. It's cost us untold amounts of points over the last few seasons, and I'm not buying into this 'young team' or 'lack of fitness' theory. Attack being the best form of defence may be a cliche but like a lot of cliches it makes sense. Especially when you have a front 5 or six like we do!!!!

Report this post »

lutondown says...
12:59pm Tue 27 Nov 12

Just packed my parachute!

Report this post »

jasonwatford says...
1:33pm Tue 27 Nov 12

Gutted not going tonight now.....on way home from blackpool i thought i couldnt do tuesday night as well but now its here i wanna go !!!! Enjoy LD let me know your thoughts by txt

Report this post »

KeithMercer says...
3:29pm Tue 27 Nov 12

Have a good one gents !
just heard theres a pitch inspection at 7-30 !! dont turn the copter blades off Holly !:-)

Report this post »

Endean was our King says...
6:05pm Tue 27 Nov 12

lutondown wrote:
Hampshire hornet wrote:
D.unstable wrote:
D.unstable wrote:
Holly68 wrote:
He is coming with me now, and to think I hardly know him LOL
What was that film called when the hitchhiker kills the guy in the service station and locks him in the trunk?
Oh that was it, "my soccer team didn't win and I just lost it" you must have seen it Holly.
wasnt it Something about Mary!
Please don't call me Mary!
No, it was Rutger Hauer in The Hitcher my friend. Lets hope your words of wisdom on tonights game are better than your memory.
You orns!

Report this post »

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree