Watford vs Ipswich preview - Connolly set for Hornets bow

Watford could hand a debut to Matthew Connolly against Ipswich after the defender joined on loan from Cardiff until the end of the season.

The Hornets are still without midfield duo Almen Abdi and Sean Murray.

Abdi remains sidelined by a hamstring problem and Murray is continuing his recovery from a recent knee operation.

But boss Slavisa Jokanovic has no new injury concerns as he looks to build on the midweek win over Wigan which took the Hornets back to the top of the table.

Ipswich midfielder Teddy Bishop will miss the trip.

Boss Mick McCarthy has confirmed Bishop, withdrawn in the 57th minute of the 1-0 home win over Bolton on Tuesday, has sore shins.

Jonathan Parr is rated doubtful after being replaced at half-time in midweek after taking a kick while David McGoldrick (thigh), Luke Hyam (knee), Darren Ambrose (hamstring) and Dean Gerken (head) remain sidelined.

But McCarthy is hopeful McGoldrick, Hyam and Ambrose could return for the clash with Bournemouth at Portman Road on Good Friday.