Team news

Same again for Hornets Watford boss Sean Dyche is expected to stick with the same starting XI for the visit of Barnsley.

Dyche has no new injury or suspension problems from Tuesday's impressive 2-0 victory at Millwall and will likely name an unchanged side.

Troy Deeney and Joe Garner started up front following the departure of Marvin Sordell to Bolton on transfer deadline day and duly grabbed a goal apiece at The Den.

Alex Kacaniklic also made his debut in midfield following his loan arrival from Fulham and had a hand in both goals.

Defender Martin Taylor (broken toe) and midfielder Stephen McGinn (knee) continue their recoveries from lengthy absences.

The Hornets go into the game knowing victory would move them to within three points of 14th-placed Barnsley.

Barnsley manager Keith Hill will add new signing Scott Golbourne to his squad.

The 23-year-old defender, who did not complete his permanent move from Exeter in time to feature in the midweek win over Derby, could make his Tykes debut.

But Hill must wait a little longer for the services of another new signing, midfielder Stephen Dawson.

The former Leyton Orient skipper completed his permanent switch on deadline day, but is sidelined due to an ankle injury.

Recent midfield loan signings, Stoke's Michael Tonge and Norwich's Korey Smith, are hoping to retain their places in Hill's starting line-up following impressive midweek debuts.

Winger Jim O'Brien has returned to full training, but remains at least another week away from a return to action following a groin injury.

Watford vs Barnsley

Last modified 17:47 04/02/12

Eustace powers Hornets to victory Watford moved further away from the npower Championship relegation zone after John Eustace's double gave them a 2-1 win over Barnsley at Vicarage Road.

The home side looked bright from the start and took the lead just after the half-hour mark when a free-kick deflected to Eustace on the edge of the box and he fired a fine effort in off the left-hand post.

Jimmy McNulty spurned a good chance to draw Barnsley level in the 65th minute and three minutes later Eustace burst into the Barnsley box before doubling Watford's lead.

Defender Scott Golbourne marked his Tykes debut with a goal to set up a tense finale but Watford held on for a second consecutive win which moved them 12 points clear of the bottom three.

Watford started well and Joe Garner and Troy Deeney linked up before the latter saw a shot charged down. Moments later Garner miskicked when well placed but the ball fell nicely for Eustace who curled a shot from 20 yards just wide.

The Hornets continued to dominate and Barnsley goalkeeper Luke Steele made a good save down at his near post to keep out an effort from Alex Kacaniklic.

With 32 minutes gone Watford deservedly went in front when Sean Murray's free-kick cannoned off the Barnsley wall into the path of Eustace who adjusted his body well and acrobatically hooked the ball across Steele and in off the post.

Watford immediately went in search of a second and a quick break ended with a Lloyd Doyley shot which was blocked well by Stephen Foster.

Having seen his side produce a toothless first 45 minutes, Barnsley manager Keith Hill brought striker Chris Dagnall on for Matty Done at the break.

Barnsley did eventually start to ask some questions of the Watford defence and Andy Gray headed wide before a dangerous free-kick from McNulty was pushed over the bar by Scott Loach.

Soon after a free-kick from David Perkins found McNulty unmarked at the far post but he headed over when he should have done better.

Just as Barnsley were looking dangerous, Watford doubled their lead.

A poor header out from Foster fell to Eustace just outside the box and he rode a couple of half-hearted challenges before slipping the ball past Steele.

Steele made a good save to prevent Doyley making it 3-0 and with five minutes remaining Scott Wiseman's cross was flicked on by Craig Davies and Golbourne arrived at the far post to halve the deficit.