Preview: Watford v Hull City

Last updated : 12 May 2008 By Danny Walker
Well, this is arguably the biggest game in the history of Hull City AFC so far, but will, hopefully, be eclipsed by the two subsequent games.

After an undeniably enthralling season of 46 games, Hull City and Watford still don't know what division they will be playing in next season. For Watford, a play-off triumph will mean a welcome return to the Premier League after only one year out. But for Hull City it will be a non-stop party after reaching the 'Promised Land' after a 104 year wait.

This game sees off-form Watford take on a slightly stuttering Hull City side. The two sides meet in the first leg of the play-off semi-final at Vicarage Road at midday on Sunday 11th May.

The two teams have met twice before this season, both in the league; the first time was back in October when Watford came out with a deserved, yet closely fought, 1-0 victory at Vicarage Road, which was the conclusion of a 3 match winless run for Hull City. The Second was a resounding 3-0 win for the Tigers at the KC Stadium in March, where Michael Turner scored one of the goals that helped him to the player of the season awards.

Back to the game in hand now. With Boothroyd himself admitting Watford were very lucky to end up in the play-offs and City with the advantage of the second leg at home, the Tigers are clear favourites for the overall tie. But Watford are slight favourites to win Sunday's game according to the bookies, with odds of 6/5.

Despite having Darius Henderson suspended for the game Watford still boast a lively frontline, with the likes of Tamas Priskin and Steve Kabba. But the favourite to start is former Premier League player Nathan Ellington - the only Hornets striker to have scored in the league in 2 months. They are expected to line up in an orthodox 4-4-2 formation with Danny Shittu bossing the defence.

City could have a fully fit squad to choose from with Barmby regaining fitness and Phil Brown hoping Okocha and Garcia recover for long term injuries. Craig Fagan and Andy Dawson have been carrying injuries in recent weeks but have still played through the pain and are expected to do so again on Sunday. To cope with those recent injuries Brown has tried 4-3-3 but unfortunately it has proved to be somewhat unsuccessful, so he is expected to revert back to a 4-4-2. Due to Fagan's recent form and Garcia's lack of fitness I predict Barmby may fill the void on the right.

My expected line up is:
Boaz Myhill

Sam Ricketts Michael Turner Wayne Brown Andy Dawson

Nicky Barmby Dean Marney Ian Ashbee (c) Bryan Hughes

Fraizer Campbell Dean Windass

The game is expected to be played in 24°C heat down south, so should be a good day out for the lucky 2,257 to get tickets. The rest of us will have to settle for watching at home on Sky or at a pub, and if you don't know which one you want to go to check out the guide on this site. Failing that, there is once again free entry to the KC to watch on the big screen.

My prediction for Sunday's game is that the two teams will be very cautious and obviously not want to lose, but considering Watford's inability to keep a clean sheet, I see the Tigers nicking a 1-0 lead to take into the second leg.

Danny Walker