Watford V Brighton at Vicarage Road Stadium : Match Preview

01 February 2014 14:01
Watford V Brighton - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Abdi sidelined again

Watford will again be without midfielder Almen Abdi for the visit of Brighton on Sunday.


Abdi was making only his fourth substitute appearance since late August in Thursday night's 4-2 defeat at Nottingham Forest, and lasted just 14 minutes before being forced off with a recurrence of his troublesome foot injury.


The Hornets are still awaiting international clearance for new signing Daniel Tozser, while Lewis McGugan (thigh) will again be assessed. Essaid Belkalem (ankle) remains sidelined.


Watford signed Arsenal forward Park Chu-Young and QPR midfielder Samba Diakite on loan on transfer deadline day, while Iriney departed to join Real Mallorca on loan until the end of the season.


Dale Stephens is in line to make his Brighton debut along with David Rodriguez, providing international clearance arrives in time.


Boss Oscar Garcia snapped up midfielder Stephens from Charlton after losing Liam Bridcutt to Sunderland and Andrew Crofts to a season-ending cruciate injury. Striker Rodriguez arrived on a free transfer from Celta Vigo.


Winger Will Buckley is set to miss out again with the hamstring injury he suffered last month, while long-term absentees Will Hoskins (knee) and Craig Mackail-Smith remain sidelined.


However, striker Mackail-Smith did get 20 minutes under his belt for the reserves this week as he steps up his recovery after 11 months out with an Achilles injury.


Source: PA