Not that Bolton away is ever going to be an easy fixture, but this one could have fallen worse. With Kevin Davies both injured and suspended following his exchange of elbows with Hermann Hreidarsson two weeks ago, it will be interesting to assess Bolton’s attacking shape; Davies has always been pretty fundamental as a focal point to the attack, and it’s difficult to imagine Nicolas Anelka playing the same role - or fitting terribly neatly into that system at all, come to think of it. Stelios came back from international duty with a groin injury, and Ricardo Gardner is also out.

Having said all of which, Bolton hardly missed Davies last time we met, compared to which any semblance of a performance will be an improvement. Tommy Smith should get his second debut in a Watford shirt at some point, although whether Betty’s much-vaunted intention to go for teams stretches to fielding Smith, King, Henderson and Young in the same starting eleven away from home will be an interesting call…