Post by Taxigirl on Feb 14, 2006 8:47:22 GMT
soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=185547&cc=5739
KO - 19:45 UK - Elland Road
Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell faces a potential striker crisis for the visit of Watford following news Richard Cresswell requires another knee operation.
Cresswell is expected to undergo surgery this week after breaking down in training on Friday, just weeks after returning from a three-month lay-off due to ruptured knee ligaments, leaving Blackwell with only two fully-fit strikers.
Rob Hulse is being nursed through a hip problem that may also require surgery, while Robbie Blake played at Derby on Saturday with a groin injury.
David Healy is available again after suspension and Ian Moore could start after he appeared as a second-half substitute at Pride Park.
Frazer Richardson is edging back to full fitness following a hamstring injury, but is not quite ready with Matt Kilgallon (knee) and Steve Stone (Achilles) both long-term absentees.
Meanwhile, Blackwell has been dealt another blow with latest signing Joel Griffiths, yet to appear for Leeds, forced to return home to Australia to sort out his work permit.
Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd insists his team are massive underdogs for their clash at Elland Road.
The third-placed Hornets go into the game two points and one place ahead of the Yorkshire club, whom Boothroyd left to take over at Vicarage Road nearly a year ago.
The Hornets will be without defender Clarke Carlisle and midfielder Matthew Spring, who are unable to play due to the terms of the deal that took them from Leeds to Watford earlier in the campaign, at Elland Road, while midfielder Dominic Blizzard is still recovering from a virus.
``This will be our toughest game of the season,'' Boothroyd told PA Sport. ``Leeds are a great team with Premiership-quality players, and they have spent a lot of money.
``Although we come into the game on the back of a 4-0 win [over Coventry], we are underdogs. But that said, we are starting to play consistently in the way I know we can.
``I don't think my spell at Leeds gives us an advantage, because in the two games since I moved here they've beaten us once and we've drawn once.``
KO - 19:45 UK - Elland Road
Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell faces a potential striker crisis for the visit of Watford following news Richard Cresswell requires another knee operation.
Cresswell is expected to undergo surgery this week after breaking down in training on Friday, just weeks after returning from a three-month lay-off due to ruptured knee ligaments, leaving Blackwell with only two fully-fit strikers.
Rob Hulse is being nursed through a hip problem that may also require surgery, while Robbie Blake played at Derby on Saturday with a groin injury.
David Healy is available again after suspension and Ian Moore could start after he appeared as a second-half substitute at Pride Park.
Frazer Richardson is edging back to full fitness following a hamstring injury, but is not quite ready with Matt Kilgallon (knee) and Steve Stone (Achilles) both long-term absentees.
Meanwhile, Blackwell has been dealt another blow with latest signing Joel Griffiths, yet to appear for Leeds, forced to return home to Australia to sort out his work permit.
Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd insists his team are massive underdogs for their clash at Elland Road.
The third-placed Hornets go into the game two points and one place ahead of the Yorkshire club, whom Boothroyd left to take over at Vicarage Road nearly a year ago.
The Hornets will be without defender Clarke Carlisle and midfielder Matthew Spring, who are unable to play due to the terms of the deal that took them from Leeds to Watford earlier in the campaign, at Elland Road, while midfielder Dominic Blizzard is still recovering from a virus.
``This will be our toughest game of the season,'' Boothroyd told PA Sport. ``Leeds are a great team with Premiership-quality players, and they have spent a lot of money.
``Although we come into the game on the back of a 4-0 win [over Coventry], we are underdogs. But that said, we are starting to play consistently in the way I know we can.
``I don't think my spell at Leeds gives us an advantage, because in the two games since I moved here they've beaten us once and we've drawn once.``