Vialli unlikely to change winning formula

Watford boss Gianluca Vialli is unlikely to make many changes to a winning team for the clash with Nottingham Forest.

Striker Marcus Gayle could return to the squad after a bout of flu, but is unlikely to start.

Danish international Allan Nielsen is out with an ankle injury, but South African Pierre Issa will be on the bench again after making his comeback from a shoulder injury.

With Jermaine Jenas coming through his comeback game against Millwall and playing all 90 minutes, Nottingham Forest manager Paul Hart appears to have no fresh injury worries ahead of the clash.

His attacking options continue to be limited, however, with the absence of Marlon Harewood and Jack Lester through injury.

Stern John, Forest's hat-trick hero at Millwall, will be looking to hit the goals trail again against Watford.

The Trinidad & Tobago striker became the first Forest player to bag a treble in almost 12 months at The Den.

Despite his best efforts, Forest had to settle for a point after a 3-3 draw but John is in a confident frame of mind as he prepares for a date with Gianluca Vialli's men.

He said: "Our team is playing good football and we have got to take advantage when we get the chance of killing teams off.

"There is no doubt a team will take a hiding from us soon."