Watford received a major boost ahead of tonight’s game at a freezing Preston North End with the news that skipper Jay DeMerit is fit to return to the heart of the defence.
The captain’s comeback, along with that of Darren Ward, who missed the game with Wolves due to not being eligible, are the only two changes Aidy Boothroyd has made from Saturday’s 3-2 defeat.
Lloyd Doyley retains his place in the side, but Adrian Mariappa drops to the bench and Leigh Bromby misses out.
Preston give a debut to former Hornet Wayne Brown, who joined on loan from Hull City yesterday, and he replaces Chris Sedgwick in the only change manager Alan Irvine has made from the weekend’s 1-0 loss at Sheffield United.
Preston North End: Lonergan; St Ledger, Mawene, Brown, McEveley; Nicholson, McKenna, Jones, Wallace, Parkin, Elliott. Substitutes: Jarrett, Sedgwick, Whaley, Neal, Mellor.
Watford: Lee; Doyley, DeMerit, Ward, Sadler; Smith, Eustace, O'Toole, Harley; Hoskins, Rasiak. Substitutes: McAnuff, Williamson, Ainsworth, Mariappa, Tyler.
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