Palace v Watford

Selhurst Park, Saturday 3.00pm

The Football League

Story so far

If Palace supporters think we have goal scoring problems, we're perfectly hunky-dory compared with Watford.

Nathan Ellington, Darius Henderson, Steve Kabba and even Dan Shittu - all guaranteed goals at this level - have been moved out and nobody in particular has been brought in.

Reports of the bank recalling debts owed by Watford haven't help matters going in to the new season, especially with Boothroyd demanding togetherness and fight.

The good news for Watford supporters is that they've now seen the end of the 'Watford style' of football. Boothroyd is determined that his team will play a more passing game. To be honest, it sounds like rubbish to me.

So what about Palace? We've lost a goalscorer, a captain and the ginger Zidane will not play for us again. But does that dent our play off hopes?

We're in a pretty similar position to last year in my eyes. The back five has hardly changed, we've picked up a quality attacking and creative midfielder, the youngsters have more experience, Ifill is fit and we have an abundance of left footed players.

The departure of Morrison has divided a lot of supporters. He is guaranteed goals but he isn't a wide striker. In the central role, he can hold the ball up, link up play but he can't get in goal scoring positions.

Besides, with a fit Moses, Scannell, Ifill and to a much lesser extent - Dayton, we should have a couple of tricks up our sleaves. Not only that, but Warnock claims to have his number 1 target targetman and he has a few trialist set to go.

So what should Watford and ourselves be expecting for the season?

Again, with so much quality in this league, you can't expect us to challenge for the automatic spots. Even a push for the playoffs looks slightly hopefull. Warnock's prediction of 12th is reasonable but we all know we can do better than that.

Personally, I have Watford down for a relegation scrap. Boothroyd will be sacked before Christmas and a decent manager brought in to drive them towards safety at the tail end of the season.

Team news

Palace boss Neil Warnock is set to hand full debuts to midfielder Nick Carle, defender Paddy McCarthy and striker Calvin Andrew.

Fellow new boys Simon Thomas and Jonny Ertl are also in contention for a starting spot in the first eleven.

Missing for the Eagles will be midfielder Neil Danns who still hasn't recovered from a groin injury sustained last season.

Injured Watford goalkeeper Richard Lee (knee) and Tommy Smith (groin) won't play. Ulises De La Cruz may start at right-back if he completes his transfer.

Watford - league stats

Full league table

Our home record v Watford

Last five results

Date	Type	Home Team	Score	Away Team
19/04/2008	League	Watford	0 - 2	Crystal Palace
05/01/2008	FA Cup	Watford	2 - 0	Crystal Palace
29/10/2007	League	Crystal Palace	0 - 2	Watford
09/05/2006	League	Watford	0 - 0	Crystal Palace
06/05/2006	League	Crystal Palace	0 - 3	Watford

All time results

One to watch

Jobi McAnuff

We all know about the tricky wide-man, second striker, wide striker or whatever he is.

He is direct and can beat his full-back, drive into the box and get a shot away. Whether the shot is blocked, high or wide - you don't know but he is capable of scoring.

McAnuff isn't the most Orthodox or wingers but fits nicely in to 433. If Watford play a passing game, he could come in to his own.

Last meeting

Watford 0-2 Palace

Saturday April 19 2008

Watford: Lee, Doyley, Bromby, Shittu, Stewart (Ellington 88), Smith, Eustace, O'Toole, McAnuff (Sadler 73), Henderson, Priskin

Subs Not Used: DeMerit, Williamson, Kabba

Booked: O'Toole, Shittu

Palace: Speroni, Lawrence (Butterfield 20), Hudson, Fonte, Hill, Soares, Derry, Watson, Sinclair (Ifill 66), Moses, Morrison (Fletcher 84)

Subs Not Used: Hills, Scannell

Booked: Morrison, Soares, Speroni, Butterfield

Goals: Ifill 72, Moses 75

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