Watford head into their Championship clash with Middlesbrough without captain Manuel Almunia after the Spanish keeper picked up a calf knock.

Manager Giuseppe Sannino is also without Joel Ekstrand, who suffered a knee injury in the Hornets' victory against Birmingham City in midweek, but Ikechi Anya has overcome a calf problem to make the bench.

Meanwhile, Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has given a start to midfielder Albert Adomah with youngster Mustapha Carayol dropping to the bench in the visitors' only change from their draw with Blackburn Rovers last week.

Shay Given retains his place in goal for the Teesiders, despite the loan signing of Tomas Meijas Osorio. Given's temporary deal is set to expire at the end of the month.

Watford: Bond; Angella, Cassetti, Doyley; Faraoni, Murray, Tozser, Diakite, Pudil; Forestieri, Deeney

Middlesbrough: Given, Varga, Friend, Leadbitter, Woodgate, Gibson, Ledesma, Whitehead, Graham, Chalobah, Adomah