SATURDAY'S Championship visit of Coventry City sees the return of former Watford boss Aidy Boothroyd.

Boothroyd spent just over three and a half years at Vicarage Road, where he guided the Golden Boys to the Premier League via the play-offs in his first full season in charge.

The 39-year-old, who joined the Sky Blues from League One Colchester United this summer, will be hoping to have the same impact at the Ricoh Arena.

City finished the season on a low note last season, ironically against Watford. On that occasion the Hornets went riot at the Ricoh, running out 4-0 winners.

This win allowed Malky's men to leapfrog Coventry and condemned the Midlands club to their worst league finish (19th) in three seasons.

It has been almost ten years since City soared in the top division of English Football. Since then a series of mid-table finishes and relegation escape acts have left the Coventry fans hungry for success.

They have strengthened in all areas across the pitch besides goalkeeper and a morale boosting home 2-0 win against cash-strapped Portsmouth, in their Championship opener, will give fans hope for the long season ahead.

Freddy Eastwood scored both goals and his presence in attack alongside new boy Lukas Jutkiewicz, after losing Clinton Morrison to Sheffield Wednesday will be vital.

Manager Aidy Boothroyd during his time at Watford

The second coming of experienced forward Gary McSheffrey, four years after jumping ship to Midlands rivals Birmingham City, the arrivals of veteran Lee Carsley and the aforementioned Jutkiewicz from Everton on a free transfer and defender Richard Keogh from Carlisle will add strength in all departments.

Premiership know-how from midfielder Stephen O'Halloran, recruited from Aston Villa and Roy O'Donovan from Sunderland will also give City a good strength in depth.

Head to Head

Watford hold the upper hand in the head to head meetings between the two clubs. Watford have won 37 meetings in all competitions, City have prevailed 27 times and there have been 12 draws.

Last time out at the Vic, Coventry edged out the Hornets 3-2, courtesy of two second half goals from Leon Best. But when Watford visited the Ricoh Arena on the last day of the season, the 'Orns smashed four goals past the struggling Sky Blues.

Team News

On-loan Birmingham City goalkeeper, Colin Doyle, has been recalled by the Blues as Ben Foster is out of action with a back injury.

Tuesday's 2-0 Carling Cup defeat to Morecambe was Doyle's only appearance for the Sky Blues.

Fancy a flutter?

Home win - 6/5
Away win - 9/4
Draw - 9/4

Scorecast - Danny Graham to score first and Watford to win 3-1 - 65/1*

Article by Tom Sharp

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