Brendan Rodgers has made two changes for his first game at the Watford helm against Doncaster Rovers at Vicarage Road this afternoon, but it is the way he has set the team up that is most intriguing.
The new Hornets boss was always going to have make one adjustment from the side that drew at Bristol City in mid-week, after Darren Ward’s loan spell was curtailed by a fractured cheekbone. However, he also opted to demote Lloyd Doyley to the bench and bring in new loan capture Liam Bridcutt and Will Hoskins.
It is understood Ross Jenkins will switch to right-back, with Jon Harley moving to the left side of the defence, while Adrian Mariappa will accompany Jay DeMerit at the heart of the back four.
Bridcutt will sit in front of the back four, the width will be provided by Tommy Smith and Jobi McAnuff, with Lee Williamson pushing up to support Hoskins, who will play off Tamas Priskin.
By contrast, Doncaster’s selection is much more straightforward.
John Spicer replaces the injured James Hayter in attack, and that is the only change from the team that drew 0-0 at home to Nottingham Forest in the battle of the bottom two on Tuesday. New loan signing – and former Hornet – Steve Brooker has to settle for a place on the bench.
Watford: Loach; Jenkins, DeMerit, Mariappa, Harley; Bridcutt, Smith, Williamson, McAnuff; Hoskins; Priskin. Substitutes: Doyley, Lee, Robinson, O’Toole, Henderson.
Doncaster Rovers: Sullivan; O’Connor, Martis, Mills, Chambers; Wellens, Stock, Woods, Coppinger; Taylor, Spicer. Substitutes: Guy, Hird, Price, Elliott, Brooker.
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