Wednesday are back on Wednesday as Watford visit Hillsborough for a huge match at the bottom of the Championship.
It’s been a while since the Owls played on a Wednesday night but Wednesdayites will be hoping it’s a good omen as Alan Irvine and his men look for three vital points in the battle for safety.
A win would put the Owls four points clear of the relegation zones and they’ll be favourites against a Watford side who haven’t won away since October.
We all know it won’t be that easy though…
Vital Quotes:
Wednesday midfielder James O’Connor told the official SWFC website:
‘It’s a good thing that people are looking forward to the games and we really need those points. But Watford are the same, they are fighting for their lives, as all the clubs down there are. It’s going to be a battle right down to the end.
‘The games can’t come quickly enough because I want to get safe as soon as possible. I want to be able to sit at home and try and relax so hopefully we will get the wins we need to get us out of this mess.’
Wednesday Team News:
Striker Luke Varney will be available for selection again after the former Crewe man was unable to play against parent club Derby County at the weekend.
He could come in for Leon Clarke in attack, although Marcus Tudgay’s place will be far from safe after some poor performances of late.
Francis Jeffers will also be pushing for a starting role after getting a rare chance as a substiture against the Rams at the weekend.
Jermaine Johnson is still set to be sidelined though through injury while captain Darren Purse is rated as doubtful following an injury picked up at the weekend.
Richard Hinds could slot in in defence but Purse will be given until the last minute to prove his fitness.
Player to watch: Tom Soares
With Soares set to continue in place of the injured Johnson, the Stoke City loanee will have to step up to give the Owls an attacking threat. He played well at the weekend in bursts and will need to show more of the same tonight.
Watford Team News:
Watford, too, have injury doubts over a couple of key players for the trip to S6.
Captain Jay DeMerit is a major doubt, and Henri Lansbury, who was so damaging to Wednesday in the reverse clash earlier this season, is also rated as doubtful.
Both players missed their weekend defeat at Caardiff City and tonight’s clash could come too soon for their return.
Watford will have no fresh injury or suspension concerns for the visit to Hillsborough.
Player to watch: Tom Cleverley
The Manchester United loanee was an inspiration in Leicester City’s promotion last season and he’ll be the one to watch for Watford tonight. James O’Connor and Darren Potter will be in for a tough night in the heart of midfield.
Match Facts & Stats
Head-to-Head:
Wednesday wins: 13
Watford wins: 18
Draws: 9
Last Time Out:
Watford 4-1 Wednesday
Vicarage Road, 23/10/09
Wednesday were thumped in the reverse fixture back in October. Adrian Mariappa and Henri Lansbury got them off to a great start before Marcus Tudgay pulled a goal back on the stroke of half-time. But former Blade Jon Harley and a second for Lansbury sealed Watford’s win.
Form:
Wednesday: D-D-D-L-W
Watford: L-W-L-L-L
Next Fixtures:
v Coventry City (A) – 27/03/10
