AIDY BOOTHROYD has sprung a huge surprise in his team selection for this afternoon's FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United by naming Marlon King among the substitutes.
King has not played since October following knee surgery and Boothroyd had previously stated that the striker "had no chance" of featuring against the Red Devils.
But the manager has clearly been playing his cards close to his chest and appears to have penciled in this game as a potential return date for his talisman all along.
The move is likely to galvanise the dressing room and lift the spirits of the fans ahead of the match at Villa Park.
Elsewhere, Hameur Bouazza will partner Tamas Priskin in attack, with Tommy Smith switching to the left flank and James Chambers asked to play on the right-hand side of midfield.
In defence, Clarke Carlisle, as predicted by the Watford Observer, gets the nod ahead of Dan Shittu, who does even make the 16.
Watford team to face Manchester United: Lee; Mariappa, Carlisle, DeMerit, Stewart; Chambers, Mahon , Francis, Smith; Bouazza, Priskin. Subs: Doyley, Loach, King, Bangura, Kabba.
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