Town boss Mick McCarthy has made three changes ahead of today’s game away against leaders Watford and seems set to start with the 4-3-3 system he switched to during the second half of Tuesday's 1-0 victory over Bolton.

Kevin Bru replaces Teddy Bishop, who has sore shins, in midfield with Luke Varney and Chris Wood coming into a three-man attack alongside Daryl Murphy.

Jonny Parr, who was a doubt having taken a kick in the Bolton game, misses out, while Freddie Sears drops to the bench.

Michael Crowe, 19, is the sub keeper with Dean Gerken not being risked having been knocked unconscious at Middlesbrough last week and Paddy Kenny ill.

Watford make three changes from the team which beat Wigan 2-0 in midweek. Miguel Layun, Daniel Tozser and Odion Ighalo replace Gianni Munari, Matej Vydra and Gabriele Angella.

Watford: Gomes; Motta, Cathcart, Ekstrand, Hoban, Tozser, Watson, Layun, Guedioura, Ighalo, Deeney. Subs: Bond, Munari, Angella, Paredes, Pudil, Vydra, Anya.

Town: Bialkowski, Chambers (c), Mings, Smith, Berra, Skuse, Bru, Tabb, Murphy, Wood, Varney. Subs: Crowe, Clarke, Anderson, S Hunt, Chaplow, Benyu, Sears. Referee: Andy D'Urso (Billericay).

Photo: Action Images

bluesince84 added 14:24 - Mar 21 You know what, im not too unhappy with that, at least its 433, varney is c**p but maybe 3 of them up front could work for us. Not even gona mention defense, been said too many times before. My worry is....who feeds the front 3? 3 tall strikers ready for hoof ball? Interesting....very interesting
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LancsBlue added 14:26 - Mar 21 Air raid sirens sounding over Vicarage Road!
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bluesince84 added 14:27 - Mar 21 ha Lancs blue classic
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parkinshair added 14:27 - Mar 21 I thought Varney was excellent against Bolton. Not been impressed by Wood at all from what I've seen of him so far.
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TomJamesLW added 14:31 - Mar 21 This could work, run down their defence with a physical first half and possibly score from persistent long balls... And then bring Freddy on to run at the knackered *****!
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warktheline added 14:32 - Mar 21 Go for it Mick and boys. If it's bloody hoof ball, so be it! It's the result that matters today, nowt else. Watford has played enough snow ball over the years. Rough it up boys, and all the best of luck to ya!
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readtheleaguetable added 14:34 - Mar 21 I agree with Tom, at least in that that`s what Mick is HOPING will happen. I would love reading Watford complaints about a hoofball win !
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topguy added 14:34 - Mar 21 switch sears with wood be happier but the result is the most important who or how we get it really doesn't matter COYB
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bluesince84 added 14:36 - Mar 21 god....im actually buzzing for this, how the hell did that happen, hope we are not being given hope and then let 6 in
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martin587 added 14:42 - Mar 21 Brute Force today then.Best way to approach Watford.Good luck Lads. COYB
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dannye added 14:45 - Mar 21 Cannot believe Sears not starting as we need a goal threat with pace on break. Let's face it, we will be defending deep and hitting them on the break is probably our best chance along with set pieces. Take a point all day long and should be enough to get back in top 6 as Brentford 2 down in final stages..got a good feeling come on boys lets take the the sting out of those bloody hornets!

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jas0999 added 14:47 - Mar 21 At least we are going for it. Got a bit of metal today! Feel sorry for Sears. The bench worries me. Not too many options there. Another chance to get back on track.
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itfc1981 added 14:51 - Mar 21
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NoelTheDub added 14:54 - Mar 21 443 hoofball with pace on the bench only you Mick can come up with that one.Good luck lads you can only do your best..
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marcusevans added 15:03 - Mar 21 That would have been my strategy. It will be interesting to see if I make a football manager or not!
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Bluetone added 15:24 - Mar 21 If you're going to park the bus Varney is an obvious choice.
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lewestractor added 15:35 - Mar 21 Looks like karma as a b****h for Ekstrand! Now he knows how Jonny felt!
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Pessimistic added 15:59 - Mar 21 Good first half and with Freddie Sears to come on in the second half sometime who knows?
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Cloddyseedbed added 16:05 - Mar 21 Poor Ekstrand, that was a shame for him. Good 1st half it seemed, albeit on radio Suffolk. He's hoping for the same effort and football in the 2nd half with Sears coming on to add something a bit different. I think his direct running could cause more problems to Watford.
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Cloddyseedbed added 16:06 - Mar 21 *Here's
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bohslegend added 17:12 - Mar 21 @noelthedub - "443 hoofball with pace on the bench only you Mick can come up with that one.Good luck lads you can only do your best.." Love looking back on your pre game comments.
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bohslegend added 17:16 - Mar 21 Just in case anyone thinks this result was a fluke - stats here... http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/31882510
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dawoolah added 17:28 - Mar 21 Watford = No Shots on target. Say what you like about MM but his tactics for this must have been spot on. Great result lads - keep it up
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