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Watford v Doncaster preview

Image: Rodgers: New man in charge

Darren Ward is missing for Watford and Doncaster will be without James Hayter.

Hornets without Ward, Hayter out for Rovers

Darren Ward is missing for Watford and Doncaster will be without James Hayter. Brendan Rodgers officially takes charge of Watford for the first time after Malky Mackay ended his caretaker spell in charge with a 1-1 draw against Bristol City in midweek. Ward suffered a hairline fracture of a cheekbone on Tuesday night and as his loan would have expired after Saturday's game, has returned to parent club Wolves. That should see Leigh Bromby return to partner Jay DeMerit at the heart of defence. Former Chelsea reserve-team coach Rodgers has pledged to change the 'footballing philosophy' at Vicarage Road so could make sweeping changes. Goalkeeper Scott Loach is fit after two months out with an abdominal injury while Grzegorz Rasiak will be hoping for a recall. Mart Poom (dislocated shoulder) is the only player currently out injured for the Hornets, while Rodgers could hand a debut to Chelsea midfielder Liam Bridcutt after raiding Stamford Bridge to sign the 19-year-old on loan.

Doncaster news

Hayter hurt his knee in the goalless draw with Nottingham Forest in midweek and has been ruled out for two months. Paul Heffernan is expected to replace him at Vicarage Road. Gordon Greer will return to contention for his first appearance of the season after struggling with a long-term groin injury and fellow defender Adam Lockwood was also back in training this week following a back injury. Defender Jos Van Nieuwstadt is still out with a hamstring problem, while Sean McDaid remains a long-term absentee with a knee injury. Manager Sean O'Driscoll has no other new injury or suspension problems as his side look to clinch only their fourth league win in 19 matches.

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