Watford v Stockport County

Watford prepares to entertain Coca-Cola League Two outfit, Stockport County sweating on the fitness of captain, Gavin Mahon and influential defender, Dan Shittu.

Mahon struggled with an ankle knock throughout the busy festive period, whilst the ever popular Shittu has been battling with an injury picked up during the defeat at Liverpool just before Christmas.

Malkay Mackay, who replaced Shittu on New Year's Day at Craven Cottage is set to replace the Nigerian should he fail a late fitness test, while manager, Aidy Boothroyd may be tempted to start with Moses Ashikodi, the 19-year-old forward who joined the club from Glasgow Rangers earlier this week.

Ben Foster has been given the go-ahead by parent club, Manchester United to play, but Tamas Priskin who harshly saw red at Fulham on Monday is suspended, while Hameur Bouazza is still out after dislocating his shoulder during the narrow Boxing Day defeat to Arsenal.

New signings from Rotherham United, Will Hoskins and Lee Williamson are both ineligible after appearing for the Millers earlier in the competition.

Stockport County are without midfielder Keith Briggs after he broke his ankle in the Boxing Day victory over Notts County, while Tes Bramble and the much sought after Adam Le Fondre face late fitness checks.

Anthony Pilkington is cup-tied, new signing Anthony Elding is unavailable and Ashley Williams is suspended following his red card picked up in the Hatters New Year's Day defeat against Shrewsbury.