Ipswich Town FC

Stears looking for Town's 'solid approach' to continue against the Hornets this evening

Richard Stearman is hoping Town’s ‘solid’ approach to games can lead Blues to another three points this evening.

The on-loan Wolves defender has been impressed with the performances of his new side and is eyeing up another home win against high-flying Watford tonight (kick-off 7.45pm).

“It’s going to be a tough game as Watford are flying at the minute but all the lads are full of confidence coming off the back of Saturday’s win against Blackpool,” Stears told the Club website.

“It was a good all round team performance and, from a defender’s perspective, it was a nice feeling to keep a clean sheet.

“Since I’ve come into the Club I think we have looked very solid as a back five and we’ve only conceded the one goal up at Blackburn in my three games so far, which is promising.

“That’s a platform we want to build on and if can remain difficult to breakdown throughout the side, then it gives us a great chance of winning games and moving up the table.”

Team news

Mick McCarthy will be without the services of midfielder Anthony Wordsworth, who will miss the game through injury after cracking his vertebrae. The Town boss has better news regarding Scott Loach and Lee Martin, with the pair coming into contention for a place in the squad after spells out with thumb and hamstring injuries respectively.

Watford boss Gianfranco Zola should be boosted by the return of defender Joel Ekstrand to his squad, although the game at Portman Road this evening is likely to come too soon for fellow centre-back Fitz Hall, as he struggles with a hamstring problem.

Where they finished last season

Town- 15^th
Watford-11^th

Where they currently stand

Town-18^th
Watford- 3^rd

One to watch

Matej Vydra. The Czech Republic international is Watford’s top scorer so far this campaign, after checking in on loan from Italian side Udinese. The striker joined the Italians from Banik Ostrava in 2010 and has also taken in a loan spell with Club Brugge in the Belguim top flight. Deadly in front of goal, the hitman will have to be watched closely this evening and has struck up an impressive partnership up front with Troy Deeney.

Match Officials 

Referee: Roger East
Assistants: John Magill and Robert Whitton
Fourth Official: Adam Crysell

Live commentary of the game will be available on Ipswich Player from 7.45pm. Live updates and exclusive Town team news will be available via our Twitter channel, @Official_ITFC.