Watford vs Wigan Match Preview.
Watford play Wigan Athletic today at Vicarage Road in the Sky Bet Championship, with the Hornets looking to build on last week’s morale boosting 5-0 victory over Fulham in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
Watford come in to the match in 6th position and a win over the Latics could see them leapfrog Brentford and move up to 5th position in the table. Whereas, Wigan lie in down the relegation zone in 23rd position, in what has been a disappointing start to the season for the Latics.
During the two matches between the two sides last season, Cristian Battocchio scored a late winner for the Golden Boys at Vicarage Road in September 2013, as the Hornets clinched a 1-0 victory over Wigan. However, in the return fixture in March, Wigan gained revenge over the Golden Boys, as they ran out 2-1 winners.
Today will be a memorable match day for Watford and the Hornets fans, as former Chairman Elton John returns to Vicarage Road to re-name the new East Stand the ‘Sir Elton John Stand’. Under Sir Elton’s stewardship with Graham Taylor as manager, Watford rose from the Fourth division of English football, into the Top Flight, finishing second in England’s first division behind Liverpool.
Wigan are managed by Malky Mackay, who was controversially appointed Latic’s boss a few weeks ago, despite being embroiled in a racism scandal after events whilst he was manager at Cardiff City. Mackay, managed the Golden Boys during the 2009-10 and 2010-11 season, before he left the club to become Cardiff City manager. His first couple of weeks as Wigan manager haven’t been the best, with the club slipping into the relegation zone in recent weeks.
Shaun Maloney will be the key player for Wigan today if selected. The 31 year old Scotland International is a set piece specialist and is regarded as one of the best midfielders outside of the Premier League.
Although Wigan may be in the relegation zone, the Golden Boys will have to perform at their best if they wish to gain those vital 3 points and build on last week’s brilliant victory over Fulham.
Team News.
For Watford, Slavisa Jokanovic has no new injury concerns. Gabriel Tamas is the only player out through a long term injury.
For Wigan, Shaun Maloney will have a late fitness test. Martyn Waghorn is ruled out through injury.
Predicted Team Lineups
Watford – Gomes (GK), Cathcart, Angella, Bassong, Paredes, Tozser, Abdi, Munari, Anya, Deeney ©, Vydra.
Referee – Mark Haywood.