Last time out we drew, I’m hoping for a win in this one! The Championship feels like it is back in full swing now with our second game in 4 days coming on Monday. Russell and Weaver didn’t have much time to implement a different style for the game against Reading but there was clearly more impetus out on getting the ball forward quickly, running in behind from both the strikers and midfield - which I think was the clearest difference between how Smith had us set up and how R&W did it. I’d like to see the same starting line up again, perhaps my only change would be to get Omobamidele back into the side for Gibson. A front three of Pukki, Sargent and Idah is very attacking but one that could strike fear into most opposition. Although they do some rotation I’d like to see Sargent focused more centrally with Idah on the left and Pukki on the right making runs off him and in behind. Watford come into this one off the back of a 4-0 to Swansea so the hornets will be stinging from that big defeat. They also appear to be suffering from a small number of injuries. Should be an interesting game! Positive vibes!!! On The Ball City!!!
Previous Meetings Watford have won six of their last seven matches against Norwich in league competitions, losing once in a 3-0 defeat in the Premier League last season. None of the previous 11 league meetings between Watford (seven wins) and Norwich (four wins) have been drawn, their joint-longest run in the Football League (also 11 between January 2001 and November 2007). Watford have won on each of their last three Football League trips to Norwich, only against five sides previously have they won on four successive league visits before, one of which was earlier this season against Cardiff. Only against QPR (50) and Crystal Palace (43) have Norwich won more Football League games against a side than Watford (39), while their 177 goals against the Hornets is also a league high against an opponent. Recent Form Norwich have only won three of their last 14 Championship games (D4 L7) and are winless in each of their last three fixtures (D1 L2). The Hornets have only lost one of their last five Championship games on the road (W3 D1 L1), though that defeat came in the last game against Swansea. Watford have lost their opening league match in nine of the last 11 calendar years (W1 D1), failing to keep a clean sheet in all 11 games in this run. The Canaries are unbeaten in their opening league game in each of their last six calendar years when in the second tier (W5 D1). The hosts have two top marksmen in their squad, scoring a combined total of 17 goals this season. Top scorer Josh Sargent has nine and Teemu Pukki has eight. Grant Hanley has been a very valuable player for the Norwich squad this season, leading the most pass attempts (1233) and passes in own half (925). He is also top for most clearances (97) and blocks (20). Max Aarons also looks to be one of the dangermen for Norwich, leading dribbles attempted (58), tackles attempted (48) as well as being top for interceptions (38) and fouls won (33).
Looks like Ipswich are going to be outside the autos for the first time in ages. Wednesday 2-0 up already.