At half time Watford’s Championship clash with Ipswich Town is goalless. The game has been tight, a little bit edgy and chances have been sparse. So it has been everything a big game should be.

The Hornets know a win will send them back to the top of the division. The Tractor Boys also need victory to boost their promotion hopes.

Slavisa Jokanovic made three changes to the Watford side which started the win at Wigan Athletic on Tuesday night. 

Gabriele Angella, Gianni Munari and Matej Vydra dropped to the bench and were replaced by Daniel Tozser, Miguel Layun and Odion Ighalo.

It was a frantic start to the contest. Ipswich thought they had taken an early lead when Luke Varney prodded a shot into the Watford net but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Watford’s first chance was created by Adlene Guedioura. The Algerian midfielder tricked his way past two Ipswich players before firing towards goal, however, his shot comfortably cleared the crossbar.

Ighalo then had an effort blocked by Tommy Smith before Troy Deeney could only glance a Marco Motta cross wide.

Given the importance of this game for both sides it was little surprise chances were at a premium throughout the opening 45 minutes.

The major incident of note in the first half was a disappointing one for Watford. Joel Ekstrand was out of position up field but attempted to close down Tyrone Mings.

The Ipswich full-back evaded the Swedish international’s challenge and the Hornets defender crumpled to the ground and immediately signalled he had an injury.

After several minutes of treatment, Ekstrand was stretchered off the field and was replaced by Gabriele Angella.

The two sides then exchanged chances late in the half. Ipswich’s came first. Varney skipped past Ben Watson’s poor challenge and drilled a shot towards the near post. It was straight at Gomes who saved.

From the resultant corner Watford broke. Guedioura got in behind the Ipswich defence and strode forward.

He was closed down but attempted a shot. The ball struck Smith and bounced clear. Deeney was livid that he didn’t receive a pass after he raced up field in support.

Watford: Gomes; Motta, Cathcart, Ekstrand (Angella 34), Hoban; Tozser, Watson, Layun; Guedioura; Ighalo, Deeney.

Watford substitutes: Bond, Munari, Paredes, Pudil, Vydra, Anya.

Ipswich Town: Bialkowski; Chambers, Smith, Berra, Mings; Varney, Bru, Skuse, Tabb; Wood, Murphy.

Ipswich Town substitutes: Crowe, Clarke, Benyu, Chaplow, S.Hunt, Anderson, Sears