Team news for Watford

Last updated : 29 November 2002 By Tony Scholes
Gareth Taylor - ready to return
The one certain change will see Lee Briscoe replaced in midfield with Brisser out of the reckoning through suspension after collecting his fifth yellow card of the season at Rotherham two weeks ago.

Also almost certainly out is Paul Cook. Stan has said he will give him as long as possible but Cooky has in fact damaged a nerve and will not be available tomorrow and could still be doubtful for next week's games against Manchester United and Nottingham Forest.

Much will depend on which of the returning players Stan opts to put straight back in. We can welcome back Ian Cox (hamstring), Steve Davis (groin) and Gareth Taylor (concussion) and that will certainly make Stan's job more difficult.

There are suggestions that Coxy, although back in training, could have to settle for a place on the bench but that should be no problem given that he came on as a sub and scored last season.

Taylor and Davis though should return to the starting line up. Davis will replace Briscoe but it remains to be seen who Taylor will come in for although Stan could switch to a 4-3-3 and get round the problem of Cooky being out.

If that's the case we would line up: Marlon Beresford, Dean West, Mark McGregor, Arthur Gnohere, Graham Branch, Glen Little, Steve Davis, Paul Weller, Robbie Blake, Gareth Taylor, Ian Moore. Subs from: Ian Cox, Tony Grant, Alan Moore, Brad Maylett, Dimitri Papadopoulos.

Watford meanwhile are expected to make changes following three successive defeats with Gavin Mahon and Tommy Smith tipped to return to the starting line up, Smith has been out with a groin injury but was on the bench last week.

One player definitely out is Sean Dyche who will miss his third game with a foot injury whilst other Watford players who are out injured are Gifton Noel-Williams, Gary Fisken, Stephen Hughes and Richard Johnson.

Manager Ray Lewington has said there will be at least one change from the side that lost at Reading because of the need to try something different against a Burnley team he described as a quality team.

Who the change (or changes) will be is unknown but Smith is without doubt the favourite to return but last Saturday's side was: Alec Chamberlain, Lloyd Doyley, Marcus Gayle, Neil Cox, Paul Robinson, Neal Ardley, Micah Hyde, Allan Nielsen, Jamie Hand, Jermaine Pennant, Heidar Helguson. Subs not used: Gavin Mahon, Richard Lee, Stephen Glass, Anthony McNamee, Stephen Glass.

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