WATFORD could unveil a new-look strike-force tomorrow (Saturday, September 24) when they travel to Crewe, aiming to get back to winning ways in the Championship following the defeat against Sheffield United.

With Marlon King (hamstring) and Darius Henderson (thigh) ruled out for three weeks until after the international break, Adrian Boothroyd bolstered his attacking options this week by following up the on-loan capture of Trevor Benjamin with another temporary signing, Gabriel Agbonlahor.

The Watford boss has been keeping tabs on the 18-year-old Aston Villa striker for a while and said of the England Under-20 international: "He is very quick and played with Luke Moore last year and he'll play a part in what we're doing."

It is highly likely that at least one of the two new faces will start at Gresty Road, although Boothroyd has the option of again deploying Ashley Young, who was rested for the Carling Cup victory over Wolves, in a central striking role. But Les Ferdinand's "other commitments" mean he will not be available to the Hornets until after tomorrow's game.

While the loss of Watford's two main strikers at the same time is unfortunate, there is better news of Gavin Mahon who is in "genuine contention" to return against the Railwaymen following a seven-game lay-off with a knee injury.

Boothroyd acknowledged the return of the club captain gives him a "plethora of midfield players" and some "nice options", with the in-form Matthew Spring, West Ham's on-loan Carl Fletcher and Dominic Blizzard, not to mention the youngsters, competing for the berths in the centre of the park.

For the full story, don't miss this week's edition of the Watford Observer.