Watford had their winning run come to an end in midweek and will want a response as Oxford United visit Vicarage Road.
Watford have had a good start to this campaign, sitting just outside the play-offs in 7th place after 14 games.
Before defeat to Swansea City in the week, the Hornets had won their last two games. Tom Cleverley’s side had beat Blackburn Rovers and were very impressive against Sheffield Wednesday, winning 6-2 at Hillsborough.
Watford are unbeaten at home so far this campaign and have the joint-best home record in the division. Considering their opponents Oxford United have picked up just two points on the road this season, Cleverley will be expecting a victory.
A win could see Watford move as high as 4th should results go in their favour, which would be quite the achievement going into the November International break.
Tom Cleverley provided an update on his squad ahead of the clash against Oxford United, as relayed by the club’s website.Â
Watford are set to still be without Tom Dele-Bashiru, Angelo Ogbonna and Jeremy Ngakia for the game, while Moussa Sissoko will serve the last game of his three-match suspension.
Francisco Sierralta will also be suspended for the game after collecting his fifth booking of the season against Swansea City on Tuesday evening.
However, defender Ryan Porteous will return after his one-match ban following an accumulation of yellow cards.
Kevin Keben has a ‘minor setback’ after his return from injury and looks set to miss Friday night’s game.
Both Kwadwo Baah and Rocco Vata have had minor knocks but are both available. Baah was on the bench against Swansea whereas Vata missed the trip to Wales.
Predicted XI
(4-1-4-1)
Bachmann; Ebosele, Porteous, Pollock, Larouci; Dwomoh; Baah, Louza, Chakvetadze, Kayembe; Bayo
We could see three changes from the Watford side that lost to Swansea City in the week.
The suspended Sierralta is replaced by Porteous, who himself is returning from suspension while young star Baah takes the place of Ken Sema on the wing after being dropped to the bench in Wales.
Imran Louza replaces Tom Ince in midfield for what would be just his second start of the campaign. Ince could do with a rest after being heavily involved, though Cleverley may see the international break as his chance to give him a break.
Vakoun Bayo will once again start up front hoping to emulatet his performance against Sheffield Wednesday last week.