U23 Match Preview | Watford vs. Cardiff City

Cardiff City’s U23 side face Watford U23 in the Professional Development League at Clarence Park, home of St Albans City on Monday, December 9th – 1pm kick-off!

The Opposition

Watford currently sit first in the Professional Development League Group South standings with 28 points, having had nine wins, one draw and three losses in 2019/20 to date. 

The Hornets concluded the 2018/19 Group South standings in ninth and in the current season have four more points than that despite having played 15 less games. 

They go into Monday’s encounter following a 3-0 loss to Everton in the Premier League Cup on Monday, December 2nd at the Pure Stadium and a 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers in the Professional Development League at Imperial College Sports Ground, seven days prior. 

In the Hot Seat

Hayden Mullins is currently Watford’s Lead U23 Professional Development Coach and has been since April 2017. 

He was also their First Team’s Interim Head Coach, being appointed following the recent departure of Quique Sanchez Flores. 

The 40-year-old originally joined the Hornets U23 team as Assistant Coach to Harry Kewell in July 2016 – after his departure as Reading U18 Coach - where he was from July 2015 following his retirement as a professional footballer. 

During his player career, the former midfielder represented Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Portsmouth, Reading, Birmingham City and Notts County, as well as England at U21 level. 

Last Time Out 

The teams last met on March 29th, 2019 at the Maurice Rebak Stadium in the Professional Development League and the game concluded in a 0-0 draw. 

Following a hard-fought encounter, a penalty stop from Matt Hall and resilient defences meant that the sides took a point apiece. 

Catch-Up: Extended highlights of the match will be available to subscribers of Cardiff City TV.

Social: Live updates will come via our official Academy Twitter account, @CF11Academy!