Watford v Stoke preview

Sadler back for Hornets; Stoke bring in Bothroyd

Last updated: 14th March 2008

Mat Sadler Watford

Sadler: Watford return

Related links

Teams

Also see

Mat Sadler will return to the Watford side for the vital clash with promotion rivals Stoke at Vicarage Road.

The left-back missed Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Bristol City with a hamstring injury but is expected to replace Jordan Stewart in the starting XI.

Midfielder Lee Williamson could also be handed a recall at the expense of John-Joe O'Toole after a bright substitute appearance at Ashton Gate.

Captain Jay DeMerit is still waiting for his first start since returning from a groin injury and could again be restricted to a place on the bench while Nathan Ellington and Collins John will battle it out to partner Darius Henderson in attack.

Former Wigan midfielder Damien Francis (knee) is still out while Gareth Williams is expected to miss the whole season after suffering a reoccurrence of a cruciate knee ligament injury.

Bothroyd swoop

Stoke have signed striker Jay Bothroyd on a month-long loan deal from Wolves and will go straight into the squad for the clash with the Hornets.

With Mamady Sidibe struggling with an ankle injury sustained in the win over Norwich, Tony Pulis has moved to bolster his options.

Influential midfielder Liam Lawrence - who with 14 goals is the club's joint top scorer with Ricardo Fuller - starts a two-game ban after amassing 10 bookings this season.

Leon Cort (ankle) is rated doubtful with Ryan Shawcross standing by for a place in the starting XI.

Pulis is boosted by the return of Glenn Whelan after the midfielder completed a two-game ban but Dominic Matteo (foot) continues to miss out.