Watford come to Crewe this weekend after a good run of form having taken 16 points from their last league games. New boss Adrian Boothroyd has grabbed many of the Hertfordshire Headlines of late and rightly so. The Glory Hornet Boys were widely tipped to struggle this season but Boothroyd has kept things simple and reaped his rewards. Crewe Assistant Neil Baker has known Boothroyd for 10 years and is unsurprised that he has done as well as he has.
Despite their good start, Watford come to Crewe with a striker dilemma at the club. Marlon King and Darius Henderson are injured leaving Boothroyd to draft in various freebies and loan signings. Two of Les Ferdinand, Trevor Benjamin and Gabby Agbonlahor are expected to be handed their debuts. Experienced defender Malky Mackay is suspended meaning Carl Fletcher, on loan from West Ham, could drop back into defence. American centre back Jay DeMerit is out with a shoulder injury though captain Gavin Mahon could return to the squad.
Meanwhile, Eddie Johnson has recovered from a hamstring injury and is expected to replace Michael Higdon, despite a promising performance from 'The Don' at Reading. Crewe are also expected to stick with the 4-4-2 which was reintroduced during last weekend's narrow loss to Reading.
Despite their good start, Watford come to Crewe with a striker dilemma at the club. Marlon King and Darius Henderson are injured leaving Boothroyd to draft in various freebies and loan signings. Two of Les Ferdinand, Trevor Benjamin and Gabby Agbonlahor are expected to be handed their debuts. Experienced defender Malky Mackay is suspended meaning Carl Fletcher, on loan from West Ham, could drop back into defence. American centre back Jay DeMerit is out with a shoulder injury though captain Gavin Mahon could return to the squad.
Meanwhile, Eddie Johnson has recovered from a hamstring injury and is expected to replace Michael Higdon, despite a promising performance from 'The Don' at Reading. Crewe are also expected to stick with the 4-4-2 which was reintroduced during last weekend's narrow loss to Reading.