Watford away match thread

[Jerseybean]

Vicarage Road here we come, ground guide: https://www.stadiumguide.com/vicarageroad/

Last season, at their place, we recorded a convincing win, https://www.bcfc.co.uk/video/highlights/extended-highlights-watford-1-4-bristol-city/

Back in 2021 they thumped us 6-0, https://youtu.be/06blIckKe2o

On Friday last they were away to Plymouth Argyle, it finished 2-2, thanks to Andre Gray who scored two against his former club, his second equalizer coming in the 96th minute (that's now six points the Pilgrims have won this season with goals beyond the 90th minute.)

Ryan Porteous got a yellow card for kicking the ball away in the 88th minute, the Scottish international has already served a ban this season and this was his seventh caution of the season. He is now the equal most booked player in the Championship alongside Preston's Ben Whiteman.

They currently occupy seventh place on 26 points.

Sports Mole preview, https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/watford/preview/preview-watford-vs-bristol-city-prediction-team-news-lineups_558933.html and the 72 review: https://the72.co.uk/2024/11/25/watford-bristol-city-prediction/

In June they appointed Alberto Garrido, who was part of the backroom team at Real Madrid, as their new first-team coach. The 48-year-old Spaniard is working alongside assistant head coach Damon Lathrope and first-team development coach Armand Kavaja.

Head-to-head record, we’ve won 38, drawn 32 and lost 31.

I can only think of four league teams in England and Scotland with an insect nickname, how about you? Answer at the end.

Officials

Ref. James Linington

Assistants, Ian Cooper and Paul Hodskinson

Fourth official, John Busby

Along with Jason Knight, Hornets midfielder Festy Ebosele helped the Republic of Ireland to a Nations League victory on his first start for his country recently against Finland.

Their recent recruitment has involved quite a few countries.

They signed Celtic forward Rocco Vata on a four-year contract in July.  The Hornets paid compensation for the 19-year-old, who made six substitute appearances for Celtic's first team.

In July they signed centre back Antonio Tikvic from Udinese on a season-long loan. The Serie A club is owned by the Pozzo family, who also have a controlling stake in Watford.

Also signed left-back Yasser Larouci from French side Troyes.

Larouci, 23, joined on a season-long deal from the Ligue 2 club.

They signed central defender Kayky Almeida from Brazilian club Fluminense. The 19-year-old joined them on a five-year contract.

Also signed central midfielder Pierre Dwomoh on a permanent deal from Belgian side Royal Antwerp.

Added former West Ham United defender Angelo Ogbonna on an initial one-year contract. The 36-year-old was a free agent, having been released by the Hammers after making 17 appearances last season.

They bought in defender Kevin Keben from French top flight side Toulouse. The 20-year-old Cameroon Under-23 international joined for an undisclosed fee on a four-year deal.

On deadline day they signed AFC Bournemouth striker Daniel Jebbison on loan for the rest of the season and Udinese defender Festy Ebosele also on a season-long loan.

Watford boss Tom Cleverley said ahead of the International break there is still more to come from his squad, despite being unbeaten at home and winning three of their past four Championship matches.

Watford warblings

Ex-England manager Gareth Southgate was born in Watford.

Watford Football Club was formed as Watford Rovers in 1886.

Watford FC played in blue and white until 1959 where it then changed to gold/yellow shirts and black shorts.

Sir Elton John, Anthony Joshua, Gerri Horner, Chris Stark, and Steven Finn are notable Watford fans.

Vinnie Jones was born and raised in Watford, Jones attended Bedmond Junior School.

The only Englishman to ever become pope, Pope Adrian IV, was born Nicholas Breakspear in Abbots Langley in 1100.

Watford has made huge contributions to the printing industry. Rotary photogravure was a technique which was first used in Watford to reproduce very fine, high quality fine art prints and then it went on to be used to produce colour magazines. All the ladies’ colour magazines, like Woman’s Weekly and Woman’s Own, were all printed in Watford, as well as most of the colour supplements for the Sunday newspapers.

Melanie C aka Sporty Spice lived in Watford for a spell.

Ovaltine was once manufactured in a factory in Kings Langley, it was the official drink of the 1948 Olympics. It was also carried up Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953, https://www.kingslangley.org.uk/ovaltine.html and https://ovaltine.com.au/blogs/about-us/ovaltine-a-history and https://trmt.org.uk/local-history/our-businesses/ovaltine

Pubs

The Oddfellows, 14 Fearnley Street, Watford, WD18 0RD, https://www.facebook.com/OddfellowsWatford Unsurprisingly, the closest pub to Vicarage Road is the most popular on match days; 'Oddfellows' on Fearnley Street can get very busy as it offers decent priced drinks, a beer garden.

The pubs on the High Street lack the atmosphere of other Watford fan pubs but are well worth checking out.

The Moon Under Water, 44 High Street, Watford, WD17 2BS (Spoons) is extremely popular so be sure to get there early otherwise you may have to wait a while to get served. The Moon Under Water welcomes well behaved home and away fans.

Watford’s exclusive away fans pub is Macs Bar, around a five minute walk to the stadium, 14 Fearnley St, Watford, WD18 0RD.

Slug and Lettuce, 66-68 The Parade, Watford, WD17 1AH offers a decent bottomless brunch.

The answer

Alloa Athletic
Known as "The Wasps", this championship club's crest features a wasp in a "superman" pose. 

Brentford
Nicknamed "The Bees", the club's badge features a bee. 

Watford
Nicknamed "The Hornets", the club's supporters chose this name because of the team's yellow and black colours. The club's badge used to feature a hornet, but it was replaced by a hart. 

Aberdeen F.C.
Nicknamed "the Wasps" because of the black and gold striped shirts the team wore for the 1904–05 season. 

 

[Major Isewater]

Watford were once very successfully managed by a future England manager in Graham Taylor. 
It was at Vicarage Road that I learned that Elton John is a homosexual.

Our ‘ brave ‘ boys sang it out loud and clear . 
I went to Cassio College , Watford on a sandwich course ( where I learned to butter bread and slide ingredients in between two slices) , as did George Michael . 
Fans of Harry Potter should visit the studio where the film was made . It is a good day out . Drop the wife and kids off for a Christmas treat . 
There is great Asian food to be had at Watford market. 

Edited November 25 by Major Isewater

[22A]

Watford Vs Bristol City, 26th November 19.45pm Kick Off | WFC Forums

They are good away.  Us obviously decent at home .  Smells like a draw .

[Markthehorn]

That is my thinking too .

1-1 I reckon .

Have a good and safe journey.

 

Edited November 25 by Markthehorn

[ExiledAjax]

Games that feature a strong home team v a strong away team are always interesting and hard to call.

I think we can come away with at least a point if we execute well. A win is absolutely possible as well if we really hit our straps.

[Mr Popodopolous]

I think draw, feels a bit of a must not lose to me even at this early stage.

Watford are open at both ends though so it could be anything.

[Robbored]

Difficult game to predict - City have a fairly decent record at Vicarage Rd and as others have suggested a draw looks most likely. However City’s away form is pretty good so you never know………

 

[Davefevs]

1 hour ago, Jerseybean said:

Ref. James Linington

FFS

[BS3 Ark at Ee]

Any idea how many tickets we’ve sold for this so far? 

[Whitchurch]

Just now, BS3 Ark at Ee said:

Any idea how many tickets we’ve sold for this so far? 

Around 1200 I believe 

[Midred]

2 hours ago, Davefevs said:

FFS

Didn't we have him a few weeks ago?

2 hours ago, Major Isewater said:

Watford were once very successfully managed by a future England manager in Graham Taylor. 
It was at Vicarage Road that I learned that Elton John is a homosexual.

Our ‘ brave ‘ boys sang it out loud and clear . 
I went to Cassio College , Watford on a sandwich course ( where I learned to butter bread and slide ingredients in between two slices) , as did George Michael . 
Fans of Harry Potter should visit the studio where the film was made . It is a good day out . Drop the wife and kids off for a Christmas treat . 
There is great Asian food to be had at Watford market. 

How did you learn that Major?

[Davefevs]

The good ole 1-game league table:

[pongo88]

It’s interesting that other supporters have a more positive view of City;

” I can see this being without a shadow of a doubt, our toughest home game so far, and possibly the biggest threat to our unbeaten run at the Vic.”

[HengroveReds]

How many changes do you think? 
 

Pring / Yu / Twine has to start for me. Maybe Armstrong / Fally to give Nakhi a rest. How you fit them in, I’ll never know!

[Mr Popodopolous]

Not convinced by this back 3. Hopefully Yu starts again.

[Mr Popodopolous]

Maybe..Idk.

                O'Leary

Vyner Dickie McNally Pring

     McGuane Knight Bird

     Yu         Wells        Earthy

[Silvio Dante]

“Twiney” will start. Have no real doubts about that. And if you then see a ruggedly handsome man at Vicarage Road screaming loudly both when the teams announced, and when Scott petulantly asks for a decision, come and say hello. You’ll get about 20 chances for the latter over the 90 minutes.

[Midred]

8 minutes ago, Silvio Dante said:

“Twiney” will start. Have no real doubts about that. And if you then see a ruggedly handsome man at Vicarage Road screaming loudly both when the teams announced, and when Scott petulantly asks for a decision, come and say hello. You’ll get about 20 chances for the latter over the 90 minutes.

Poor old Pring if he's left to pick up the pieces again!

[TV Tom]

4 hours ago, Robbored said:

Difficult game to predict - City have a fairly decent record at Vicarage Rd and as others have suggested a draw looks most likely. However City’s away form is pretty good so you never know………

 

I think either team could win it or it might even be a draw 

[mozo]

2 hours ago, Davefevs said:

The good ole 1-game league table:

Based on all that, I'd gladly take a point. It could even move us up to 9th.

But, that said, we'll win 4-1 like we did last season... 

[HengroveReds]

4 minutes ago, mozo said:

Based on all that, I'd gladly take a point. It could even move us up to 9th.

But, that said, we'll win 4-1 like we did last season... 

Watford unbeaten at home too, very tough test! But so was Boro & Norwich. 
Keep Bayo quiet, and we might have a chance!

[Markthehorn]

1 hour ago, pongo88 said:

It’s interesting that other supporters have a more positive view of City;

” I can see this being without a shadow of a doubt, our toughest home game so far, and possibly the biggest threat to our unbeaten run at the Vic.”

We have had Boro and Sunderland who looked good v us but you are in decent form away from home and I suspect can take the chances we give to teams that others have missed.

[Severn Beach Pigeon]

I think Porteous is a bit prone to stupid yellows (and even reds) compared to other players.

Is that a fair assessment @Markthehorn?

Maybe the red cards part is harsh because he only has 5 total, but sure I've seen at least one that was dreadful thinking on his part.

[Major Isewater]

3 hours ago, Midred said:

Didn't we have him a few weeks ago?

How did you learn that Major?

Pay attention at the back. 
It was sung by our supporters. You had better go to source for the conformation . 

[Mr Popodopolous]

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/tom-cleverley-wary-bristol-city-9743548

Some thoughts from Cleverley.

[Midred]

1 hour ago, Midred said:

Poor old Pring if he's left to pick up the pieces again!

And Bird if Twine if keeps tripping him up! 

[Davefevs]

1 hour ago, HengroveReds said:

Watford unbeaten at home too, very tough test! But so was Boro & Norwich. 
Keep Bayo quiet, and we might have a chance!

Bayo is a strange one, all a bit scruffy, a bit unpredictable, a bit Sami Ameobi in some respects.  He works hard though.

1 hour ago, Severn Beach Pigeon said:

I think Porteous is a bit prone to stupid yellows (and even reds) compared to other players.

Is that a fair assessment @Markthehorn?

Maybe the red cards part is harsh because he only has 5 total, but sure I've seen at least one that was dreadful thinking on his part.

He can be rash.  He looks like he’s looking for trouble / provoke stuff.

[Mr Popodopolous]

39 minutes ago, Midred said:

And Bird if Twine if keeps tripping him up! 

Bird and Twine would feel like going back to some flawed plans, sure maybe in certain scenarios in-game or whatever but as a whole.

Twine for Bird would change the dynamic and balance, IMO and probably not for the better.

[Markthehorn]

2 hours ago, Severn Beach Pigeon said:

I think Porteous is a bit prone to stupid yellows (and even reds) compared to other players.

Is that a fair assessment @Markthehorn?

Maybe the red cards part is harsh because he only has 5 total, but sure I've seen at least one that was dreadful thinking on his part.

Oh yes certainly  is very much a liability in that area. 

Already been banned - mind you 3 of our main defenders have been.

Somehow never been sent off for us!

 

 

Edited November 25 by Markthehorn

[Markthehorn]

1 hour ago, Davefevs said:

Bayo is a strange one, all a bit scruffy, a bit unpredictable, a bit Sami Ameobi in some respects.  He works hard though.

He can be rash.  He looks like he’s looking for trouble / provoke stuff.

Bayo isn't that good but like you say can be unpredictable with getting the odd goal. 

[HengroveReds]

2 minutes ago, Markthehorn said:

Bayo isn't that good but like you say can be unpredictable with getting the odd goal. 

7 goals this season though, so must be half decent!

[old_eastender]

12 hours ago, Silvio Dante said:

“Twiney” will start. Have no real doubts about that. And if you then see a ruggedly handsome man at Vicarage Road screaming loudly both when the teams announced, and when Scott petulantly asks for a decision, come and say hello. You’ll get about 20 chances for the latter over the 90 minutes.

Really hope Twine does not start as we can't play an effective high press, like we did so well at Norwich, if he does

[spudski]

Interesting match up this one.

We are top of the form table for away games (last 6 games)

Watford are second for the equivalent on home games.

Got 1-1 draw all over it.

I'm going for a 1-0 win to Watford.

Fingers crossed I'm wrong. 

[redsquirrel]

we could nick it if we stay awake, they move the ball well and defend well, for large parts but do have lapses of concentration in them from what ive sen on their tv games. tough one to call,never get it right anyway so saying 2-0 watford. that wont happen now

[hinsleburg]

Team will be an interesting one, think a fit Ross would make all the difference as gives us pace and power both flanks!

As it is though I'd be tempted with something like the below

Vyner mcnally  Dickie   Pring

           Knight mcguane

Yu              Bird               Twine

                 Armstrong

Two ball players in behind Sincs may help him have more of an impact, couple that with Yu's ability to beat a man and get in a cross it may be a bit of a winning combo! We looked slow and lacking ideas Saturday until they sat back so be good to have threat from the start

[Silvio Dante]

3 hours ago, old_eastender said:

Really hope Twine does not start as we can't play an effective high press, like we did so well at Norwich, if he does

To me, it’s another test. Our uptick came with a change in system/approach that coincided with STs absence. And in his defence, he looked a lot more energetic against Burnley than he normally does. But we’ve been here before - against Millwall, in first game back post loan, he ran and pressed well, and then reverted to being a child again.

So, to me it’s a test of both Scott and Liam (whether tonight or when he does come back in). For Scott, does he have the ability and desire to put “team before self”, and not invade Birds space, put himself into tackles and not play with the air of expectation. For Liam, does he have the humility to admit he got it wrong with Scott and that he can’t just indulge him - and he has to be hauled straight off the pitch if he’s not in the “team before self” mentality.

 

[Jerseybean]

BP suggested line up, https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bristol-city-team-predicted-team-9743840

[OneTeamInBristol]

1 hour ago, hinsleburg said:

Team will be an interesting one, think a fit Ross would make all the difference as gives us pace and power both flanks!

As it is though I'd be tempted with something like the below

Vyner mcnally  Dickie   Pring

           Knight mcguane

Yu              Bird               Twine

                 Armstrong

Two ball players in behind Sincs may help him have more of an impact, couple that with Yu's ability to beat a man and get in a cross it may be a bit of a winning combo! We looked slow and lacking ideas Saturday until they sat back so be good to have threat from the start

No goalkeeper is just asking for trouble.

[MarcusX]

Before I start a new thread does anyone know if it’s pay on the day?

I was halfway through buying a ticket, got distracted and now they’re off sale

 

[red panda]

Channel your inner Robbored and consult the OS!

 

The answer's yes BTW

Edited November 26 by red panda
Typo

[willy bedlock]

Fancy us tonight  coyr

[Bazooka Joe]

1 hour ago, OneTeamInBristol said:

No goalkeeper is just asking for trouble.

Is this the epitome of “Front Foot Football”?

Or is the epitome when you also play without any defenders?

[cheddarwedlocker]

Need a coach ticket for tonight, let me know asap plz will pay above face value 

[MarcusX]

1 hour ago, red panda said:

Channel your inner Robbored and consult the OS!

 

The answer's yes BTW

I did look there first but couldn’t find it? Was a bit rushed tbf, hence missing the sell window in the first place but thanks!

[Peter1450]

18 hours ago, Markthehorn said:

We have had Boro and Sunderland who looked good v us but you are in decent form away from home and I suspect can take the chances we give to teams that others have missed.

You obviously haven’t been watching our new strike force

Edited November 26 by Peter1450

[sugarwray]

Last season Watford played The Wurzels, Cider Drinker before the match as a festive gesture of goodwill. We won 1-4 so I am not expecting to hear it tonight! Very hard to predict, we are playing better away from AG at this stage of the the season but they are strong at home. COYR

[redsquirrel]

im looking forward to it,is going to be a realistic test for us

[BS3 Ark at Ee]

2 hours ago, MarcusX said:

Before I start a new thread does anyone know if it’s pay on the day?

I was halfway through buying a ticket, got distracted and now they’re off sale

 

Yes mate it’s pay on the day, says on the official site

[Marina's Rolls Royce]

On 25/11/2024 at 12:58, Major Isewater said:

"......slide ingredients in between two slices as did George Michael"

This was common knowledge

[Unan]

"For anyone going by train, they are absolutely f*cked and likely to be so until tomorrow.

Currently 2 trains an hour in and out of Euston. "

[MarcusX]

1 hour ago, BS3 Ark at Ee said:

Yes mate it’s pay on the day, says on the official site

Thanks I’ve now found it, by scrolling across the news articles. Easy when you know where, I guess!

 

[PortInTheMorning]

Never mind 

Edited November 26 by PortInTheMorning

[Silvio Dante]

No Twiney. My incessant screaming doesn’t need to start yet

[Northern Red]

A reminder that Atkinson played for the U21s last night, before anyone starts panicking.

[Lew-T]

1 minute ago, Silvio Dante said:

No Twiney. My incessant screaming doesn’t need to start yet

That looks good to me.

[CodeRed]

Decent line up, you can't really say any of the subs should start ahead of anyone in that 11.

The EP predicted that team with the exception of " Twiney" for Mehmeti.....which is what I thought Liam would do.

Cautiously optimistic now!

[Ivorguy]

This is our best side as it stands.

Win must follow

[Ian M]

9 minutes ago, Northern Red said:

A reminder that Atkinson played for the U21s last night, before anyone starts panicking.

Must be prioritising minutes in his legs over time on a coach travelling there and back, I think I don't mind that.

[frenchred]

3 minutes ago, Ivorguy said:

This is our best side as it stands.

Win must follow

But what if Watford have their best side as it stands

Win must follow?

[Davefevs]

It’s what I’d thought he’d do.  Didn’t think he’d bring Twine straight in, nor did I think he’d rotate Wells.

And it’s what I’d have done too.

So there won’t be “he got it wrong tonight”, from me.  I assume it’s gonna be a bit more 4231, albeit a little lopsided with Vyner as a slightly narrow(ish) RB.

Thoughts?

[One Team]

13 minutes ago, Silvio Dante said:

No Twiney. My incessant screaming doesn’t need to start yet

Happy with that Silvio mate, nice to see Twine still on the bench.

[Mr Popodopolous]

That seems a sensible line up with what we have available.

1 minute ago, Davefevs said:

So there won’t be “he got it wrong tonight”, from me.  I assume it’s gonna be a bit more 4231, albeit a little lopsided with Vyner as a slightly narrow(ish) RB.

I reckon so and feels like it could give us a bit more round pegs and holes, relieved we are abandoning the Back 3 experiment in the absence of McCrorie, Sykes or Tanner on the right.

[frenchred]

1 minute ago, Davefevs said:

It’s what I’d thought he’d do.  Didn’t think he’d bring Twine straight in, nor did I think he’d rotate Wells.

And it’s what I’d have done too.

So there won’t be “he got it wrong tonight”, from me.  I assume it’s gonna be a bit more 4231, albeit a little lopsided with Vyner as a slightly narrow(ish) RB.

Thoughts?

Same here

I'd like to see him vary his subs a bit when the time comes, we know the 2 knew guys ain't good enough, swallow your pride and let cornick torment them!

[The Nest Egg]

Oddfellows is a damn fine away pub

[Engvall’s Splinter]

This on Sky ?

[Midred]

1 minute ago, Engvall’s Splinter said:

This on Sky ?

Red button?

[Lanterne Rouge]

2 minutes ago, Engvall’s Splinter said:

This on Sky ?

 

Just now, Midred said:

Red button?

Yep, correct. Sky+ channel 412

[Davefevs]

7 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

That seems a sensible line up with what we have available.

I reckon so and feels like it could give us a bit more round pegs and holes, relieved we are abandoning the Back 3 experiment in the absence of McCrorie, Sykes or Tanner on the right.

I doubt he’s abandoned it.

[Mr Popodopolous]

1 minute ago, Davefevs said:

I doubt he’s abandoned it.

Long term probably not.

For now though I hope, just seems crazy to put someone like Earthy at wingback IMO.

[petehinton]

Sticking with Wells, again, really shows the trust & value they see in Stretch & Fally atm. Thought it had Armstrong starting all over it.