Hornets hoping for improved fortunes with referee in change

Watford will be hoping it's a case of third time lucky following the appointment of the referee for tomorrow night’s fixture against Oxford United.

The EFL website has stated that Anthony Backhouse has been appointed to take charge of the 8pm kick-off at Vicarage Road.

The Cumbrian referee has officiated in two matches involving the Hornets already this season, the 2-1 defeat at Leeds United last month and the 4-1 loss at Norwich City in September, although he was replaced for the second half at Carrow Road due to an injury.

Backhouse has taken charge of a total of 12 league and cup matches so far this season, showing a total of 44 yellow cards and two reds.

Blake Antrobus and Robert Hyde are due to be the assistant referees as Tom Cleverley’s men look to get back to winning ways following the defeat at Swansea City, with Josh Smith the fourth official.

Tomorrow will be 26 years and one day since the Hornets last faced Oxford in a league game at Vicarage Road, Graham Taylor’s side winning the Division One clash 2-0 thanks to goals from Gifton Noel-Williams and Steve Palmer.