WATFORD will face a tough task when they visit stadiummk this evening (Wednesday) but they are boosted by the return of Damien Francis and Lionel Ainsworth to the squad.

Aidy Boothroyd is without Richard Lee and Mart Poom due to their respective injuries, although Poom looks set to get over his bruised ankle in time for Saturday's game at Barnet.

Therefore rookie 'keeper Scott Loach will be between the sticks for the Golden Boys and he has a perfect chance to stake a claim with the season less than two weeks away.

Lee Williamson is building up his fitness while Lee has been working hard with the medical staff at London Colney and is making good progress, although he is still a few weeks away from playing.

Tonight's squad is as follows:

Scott Loach, Ulises De la Cruz, Leigh Bromby, Jay DeMerit, Matt Sadler, John Eustace, Lloyd Doyley, Adrian Mariappa, Lee Williamson, Ross Jenkins, Jon Harley, Tommy Smith, Tamas Priskin, Jobi McAnuff, Lionel Ainsworth, Damien Francis, Will Hoskins, Lewis Young, Theo Robinson.

An opportunity has arisen for Scott Loach

The newly promoted Dons are managed by former Chelsea favourite Roberto Di Matteo, who took over after Paul Ince left to take charge at Blackburn Rovers.

The Dons' squad saw them claim the League Two title last year and Italian Di Matteo's first managerial opportunity will see him trying to steer the club up to the Championship.

Di Matteo has so far managed to keep the core of the title-winning squad together, although there have been some departures.

Mustapha Carayol has joined Blue Square Premier club Torquay, after several different loan spells with his time at the Dons.

Perhaps the most significant departure is that of winger Lloyd Dyer, who has joined League One rivals Leicester.

Dyer turned down a new contract to pursue a move elsewhere, and his penetrating pace will be missed in the Dons side.

Dyer scored 11 goals last season, and his consistent performances saw him named in the League Two team of the year.

Last season saw the Dons do the double, winning the League Two title as well as the Johnstone's Paint trophy.

Kick off is at 7.45pm tonight and a full match report will be available here at www.watfordfc.com.

Please note - any Watford supporters who are planning to attend without an advanced ticket can pay on the day in cash ONLY at gate 3.
 

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