On a poor Wigan Athletic pitch it has been a frustrating first half for Watford. The Hornets haven’t been able to implement their passing game but have battled their way through the opening 45 minutes. The game is goalless at the break.

Slavisa Jokanovic made three changes to the Golden Boys side which started against Reading on Saturday. Gabriele Angella, Tommie Hoban and Gianni Munari came into the side in place of Daniel Pudil, Daniel Tozser and the injured Almen Abdi.

The opening 15 minutes of the contest were even, with both sides taking a while to settle.

The first shot on goal went for the hosts. Gaetan Bong broke forward but his shot from distance comfortably cleared the crossbar.

Watford responded through Adlene Guedioura. He nipped through the Wigan midfield and fired towards goal but his effort was saved by Ali Al Habsi.

The hosts then came close. The Hornets were slack from a throw-in and that allowed Leon Clarke room to turn and shoot.

Fortunately for the visitors, Hoban excellently blocked the goal-bound strike. Clarke then headed over a cross for the Latics.

It was difficult for Watford to play possession football on the deteriorating pitch but they did produce neat moves, one of which resulted in Deeney heading into the arms of Al Habsi.

The Hornets captain again came close late in the opening period. Guedioura barged past two Wigan defenders and crossed. Deeney escaped his defender and flicked a shot towards goal that Al Habsi smartly saved.

Wigan created the final chance of the half. Liverpool loanee Sheyi Ojo crossed and Gabriele Aneglla’s header was poor.

The ball dropped to Marc-Antoine Fortune and his powerful shot was saved by Heurelho Gomes. 

Wigan Athletic: Al-Habsi; Boyce, Pearce, Maguire, Bong; Perch, Kim; Pennant, Ojo, Clarke; Fortune.

Wigan Athletic substitutes: Nicholls, Barnett, Kvist, Cowie, Sinclair, Murphy, Mckay.

Watford: Gomes; Cathcart, Angella, Ekstrand, Hoban; Motta, Watson, Guedioura, Munari; Deeney, Vydra.

Watford substitutes: Bond, Layun, Tozser, Forestieri, Paredes, Anya, Ighalo.