Scunthorpe Preview - Home, Oct 23rd

Scunthorpe United come to town this weekend looking to build on their impressive win over Darren Ferguson`s Preston North End in midweek. Watford will also be looking to build on their win against Roy Keane and Ipswich and continue to cement their place in the N.Power Championship Play Offs.

It`s been a busy fortnight for new Iron boss Ian Baraclough; the former Scunny midfielder signed West Ham`s exciting young forward Freddie Sears on loan in time for PNE and had previously secured the capture of former Pompey youngster, Paris Cowan-Hall on a contract until June 2011. Loan capture Kevin McDonald has returned to Burnley after an injury interrupted his loan spell at Glanford Park.

Having taken over following a 5-2 defeat by Manchester United at Glanford Park in the Carling Cup, Baraclough has guided Scunny to just one victory, two draws and two defeats.

Watford Team News:

The extent of the injury to Don Cowie has been clarified, the Scotland cap will be out for a month to six weeks after suffering a knee injury at Portsmouth meaning tricky young winger Michael Bryan looks likely to make consecutive starts for the 'Orns. After scoring two in two, Stephen McGinn should continue down the left hand side of midfield.

Likely Watford Starting XI:

Loach

Doyley Mariappa M.Taylor A.Taylor

Eustace (c)

Bryan Mutch McGinn

Sordell Graham

Key Player: Marvin Sordell

Scored yet again in midweek against Ipswich Town; the sixth of a prosperous campaign to date. The 19 year-old Harrow born forward has struck up an instantaneous rapport with strike partner Danny Graham and recently signed a new contract before winning the young player of the month award.

Home Form:

Watford 3-0 Middlesbrough

Watford 2-3 Swansea City

Watford 2-1 Ipswich Town

Watford - Scunthorpe United Head2Head:

Watford 0-1 Scunthorpe

Watford 1-0 Scunthorpe F.A Cup

Watford 3-0 Scunthorpe

Scunthorpe 2-2Watford

Scunthorpe United Team News:

The Iron lost first-choice stopper Joe Murphy (groin) to injury in the defeat of Preston in midweek; deputy 'keeper Sam Slocombe was in line to deputise, however veteran Trinidad and Tobago international Tony Warner has penned a months contract and will start in goal. Centre-half and record signing Rob Jones (hand) is out. Loanee Kevin McDonald (back) has returned to parent club Burnley for treatment but if fit will return to Glanford Park to complete his loan spell. Left-back Jimmy McNulty will also miss out with an ankle problem.

Predicted Line-up:

Warner

Byrne (c) Mirfin Raynes Nolan

j.Wright Collins O`Connor Woolford

Dagnall Sears

Key Player: Martyn Woolford

Exciting midfielder player picked from non-league football by previous club York City before Southampton boss Nigel Adkins took him to Lincolnshire. The Manchester United fan can play anywhere across the midfield and scored against the Red Devils in this year`s League Cup. The 25 year-old was named Man-of -the-Match in the 2009 League One Play Off final as he inspired his side as to a 3-2 victory of Watford legend Kenny Jackett`s Millwall side.

Away Form:

Swansea City 2-0 Scunthorpe United

Leicester City 3-1 Scunthorpe United

PNE 2-3 Scunthorpe United

Opta Stat:

Taken from Twitter - Watford have the best shooting accuracy in the Championship with 56% success.

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