Watford v Ipswich preview

Watford v Ipswich preview

Published Aug. 20, 2012 9:15 a.m. ET

Watford manager Gianfranco Zola has real competition for places in attacking positions.

Udinese loanee Matej Vydra was the catalyst for the Hornets' late comeback in their 3-2 victory at Crystal Palace, scoring a 94th-minute winner after setting up fellow loanee Almen Abdi's equaliser.

Abdi has admitted he is not yet 100 per cent fit, but will keep his place in Zola's starting line-up despite Vydra's match-winning curled strike.

Chris Iwelumo is also in goalscoring form after opening his account for the season with an extra-time winner against Wycombe in the Capital One Cup.

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Fitz Hall, Stephen McGinn, Steve Leo Beleck, Daniel Pudil, and Alex Geijo will also all be pushing for inclusion in Zola's squad as they make returns to fitness.

Geijo was limited to a small number of appearances last year, in a season largely disrupted by injuries, but will be keen to feature.

Ipswich boss Paul Jewell is primed to name an unchanged side.

Jason Lowe's own goal gifted the Tractor Boys a last-minute equaliser against Blackburn at the weekend, and Jewell looks set to keep faith with his young side.

Midfielder Luke Hyam, 20, was heavily involved in the equaliser and he will be given an extended run in the team after catching the eye of his manager.

Jason Scotland crossed for Lowe to bundle into his own net, but the Trinidadian striker will have to remain happy with a place on the bench with Michael Chopra leading the line.

Elliott Hewitt remains Town's only absentee with a hip injury that will keep the summer signing sidelined for four weeks.

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