Watford 2 Ipswich 1

Craig Levein introduced a novel new tactical formation in Scotlands narrow 1-0 defeat to the Czech Republic, and against Watford, Roy Keane almost created his own new formation.
Whereas Leveins Scotland were sent out in a quite unorthodox 4-6-0 formation, so Keane sent his own side out to play in what can perhaps best be described as a 0-2-2-0, 0-2-2-0, 1, 1 formation. In essence, a team effectively shorn of natural wide players or fullbacks.
Leading up to the match, Keane had openly criticised some sections of the supporter base for perhaps unfairly criticising the team formation during Saturdays defeat against Coventry. “They’ll all have their favourite players that they think should be playing or they think we should be playing with two strikers, whatever it might be, which is no problem. I think it’s worked OK for us, but having said that it doesn’t mean we’re set in our ways and we’re not prepared to change or that me and my staff don’t discuss what might be the best way to approach a game”.
As if to make the point clear, Keanes team against Watford was far removed from that which had started the previous match. Whereas Saturdays game featured two wingers , Townsend and Edwards, playing ahead of two former wingers converted to full-back, Peters and Kennedy, all four players failed to retain their place in the team. Opting to provide Jason Scotland with a supporting striker in former Watford man Tamas Priskin, Keanes midfield behind them consisted of four players who would be largely at home in central midfield, including returning loanee Jack Colback. It was a similar case at the back, where centre-backs Troy Brown and Tommy Smith found themselves in the full back positions.
Keanes wingless wonders proved more than a match for their Watford counterparts during an opening period with little in the way of chances, as both teams appeared to be stifled by a packed central midfield. Whilst Town had found Jason Scotland in lively form, Watford had to look towards the wings to get any real possession, with little in the way of troubling delivery. However, with the half-time whistle within sight and Town seemingly comfortable heading towards the break, two quick-fire goals from Stephen McGinn and Championship young player of the month Marvin Sordell, both stemming from crosses in wide positions, left Roy Keanes half-time teamtalk upside down.
Speaking to the BBC, Keane said “A silly five-minute spell in the first half has cost us. Like on Saturday, the first goal was particularly disappointing and to concede the second just on half-time was a big blow for us. They were two poor goals to give away, although having said that I’d give the boy credit for the second, that was a good finish”.
Town were knocked from their stride and whilst the introduction of Connor Wickham and Ronan Murray added some dynamism to proceedings, it was a somewhat fortuitous Town goal that provided the biggest spark towards a comeback. Watfords former Town youth keeper, Scott Loach, spilled a shot from a corner, with the ball eventually being cleared to David Norris who was able to head over the stranded keeper and into the net.
As with Saturdays game, Town pressed an opposition who were offering very little as an attacking threat but were unable to find the net for a second time, despite several half-chances and a narrow offside call on a Ronan Murray equaliser.
Also as with Saturdays performance, focus again turns towards the midfield in terms of providing for the front pairing. Despite the narrow shape of Towns line-up, and the abundance of central midfielders, Priskin and Scotland rarely found midfielders who were prepared to run on beyond them. The exception to this, after his introduction, was young Ronan Murray who provided an energy which complemented Wickhams strength and aerial presence. Keane would also doubtless have taken some pleasure in the performance of Grant Leadbitter, who had comfortably one of his best performances of the season so far. Jack Colback similarly slotted into the side as if he had never left.
At the back, the game may well prove something of a watershed for Tommy Smith. With last seasons hugely successful McAuley-Delaney axis being reintroduced to cope with Watfords frontline, Smiths performance at left-back was even more crucial to his hopes of retaining a first team place. Smith struggled to contain Michael Bryan and Lloyd Doyley, particularly in the first half, which became Watfords main source of threat as the half went on. On this showing, Smiths continued position in the team looks to be dependent on the fitness of Damien Delaney.
With a tough away fixture against a steadily improving Nottingham Forest side on Saturday to come, Keanes side will have a task to avoid stretching their current run to one win in five. It would take a brave man to guess Keanes formation, let alone starting line-up against his old club....