Paolo Vernazza has apparently won the Hornets fans over since his permanent move and was running their midfield up to the stabbing last week. Paolo's injuries are not serious, but could still keep him out of the side for a month.

Watford are quite strong in midfield, so David Noble's chances have been limited. This is a big shame for him and us. Noble is reckoned to be a great prospect and we're hoping the experience he gets on loan this season will provide a launch pad for his career at Arsenal like Ashley Cole's spell at Palace did.

But with Vernazza out Noble could get his chance. He played the full 90 minutes of the 4-1 win over Bradford City last night. He features prominently in the report from the official Watford site, forcing saves with a 30 yard volley in the first half and a fierce shot in the opening seconds on the second, and starting the move for the 4th goal with a "measured pass". See also Soccernet report.

Seeing Vernazza and Noble blossom, given the chance of regular first team football, will come as no surprise to those who have followed their progress at Arsenal.

Stephen Hughes however, has apparently been a disappointment for the Watford fans so far. But to be fair, he's only had 2 full games this season thanks to a groin injury and to being knocked out 5 minutes into the game at Crewe. However good Watford's midfield is, not being able to be a regular part of it would be a major disappointment for a player touted, not so long ago, as the answer to England's left-side problems.

Many thanks to Mark Ramsey for passing on comments from his Watford ST holding brother John, and to Paul Burland for passing on news of last night's game.