Mahon missing for Hornets

Watford will be without captain Gavin Mahon for the home match against Reading.

The influential midfielder must serve a one-match ban after collecting his fifth booking of the season in the 1-0 home defeat by Sheffield United on November 28.

The Hornets – bottom of the Barclays Premiership – welcome back veteran defender Chris Powell from suspension, but they are still without goalkeeper Ben Foster and forward Marlon King (both knee) as well as defender Clarke Carlisle (thigh).

Provisional squad: Lee, Chamberlain, Chambers, Shittu, DeMerit, Powell, Doyley, Stewart, Mariappa, Mackay, Smith, Spring, Francis, Bouazza, McNamee, Bangura, Jarrett, Henderson, Young, Priskin.