Watford V Sheff Wed at Vicarage Road Stadium - Match Preview




Briggs hopeful of debut at Hornets

Matthew Briggs comes into contention for his Watford debut at home to Sheffield Wednesday.

The left-back sealed his loan move from Fulham on Friday, with the agreement coming just hours before the Hornets' 1-1 draw against Wolves at Molineux.

Briggs was unavailable to feature in the clash and so now comes into the frame to face the Owls as Gianfranco Zola's promotion chasers aim to get back to winning ways.

Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia remains a doubt with the hamstring injury which forced him to miss out on Friday night, meaning Jonathan Bond is again on standby to start.

Zola has no fresh injury or suspension concerns for the encounter but defenders Fitz Hall (hamstring), Tommie Hoban (ankle) and Neuton (back) all continue to miss out.

Sheffield Wednesday manager Dave Jones could give several players late fitness tests.

Jones did not reveal the identity of those players who sustained knocks in the weekend defeat to Nottingham Forest, but could be forced to make one or two changes.

Jeremy Helan, on loan from Manchester City, returned in place of Kieran Lee on Saturday and is expected to continue in midfield, but defender Reda Johnson remains sidelined with an ankle problem.

Striker Gary Madine, winger Jermaine Johnson, plus midfielders Rhys McCabe and Jose Semedo could all provide Jones with alternative options if any of his starting line-up against Forest fail to make it.

The Owls, four points clear of the relegation zone, have lost only one of their last seven league matches.


Source: PA

Source: PA