Preview: Watford vs. Crystal Palace

Watford welcome fellow playoff contenders Crystal Palace to Vicarage Road on Friday with second position in the Championship table on offer for the victors.

Watford have won four of their last five matches in the league, a run of form that has moved them into fourth position in the table, just one point off second-placed Leicester City.

Palace's form has suffered somewhat in recent weeks with two defeats from their last five, but a strong beginning to the campaign sees them occupy fifth spot, just one point from their opponents on Friday.

Watford's home form has been patchy this season with eight wins, two draws and five defeats, while Palace have won five of their 15 matches on the road. The reverse fixture took place on the opening round of fixtures in August, with Watford running out 3-2 winners at Selhurst Park.

Palace boss Ian Holloway could continue with the same side that beat Charlton Athletic last time out, but January signings Kevin Phillips and Stephen Dobbie are both pushing for inclusion.

Watford, meanwhile, have no fresh injury concerns from the weekend and are once more expected to name Troy Deeney and Matej Vydra, who is reportedly close to agreeing a permanent deal with the club, in attack.

Recent form

Watford: WLWWW

Palace: WLDLW

Possible lineups

Watford: Almunia; Hall, Doyley, Pudil, Casetti; Chalaboh, Ekstrand, Abdi, Battocchio; Denney, Vydra

Palace: Speroni; Moxey, Delaney, Ramage, Richards; Butterfield, Marrow, O'Keefe, Bolasie; Zaha, Murray

Sports Mole says: 1-1