Carlisle back as Hornets bow out

Watford welcome back defender Clarke Carlisle for their final match of the season, against Newcastle at Vicarage Road on Sunday.

Carlisle missed last weekend’s 2-0 win at Reading due to suspension, but he has completed the one-match ban and is expected to replace young Frenchman Cedric Avinel in central defence.

On-loan Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster plays his final game for the club, and Adrian Mariappa could come in for Lloyd Doyley in defence, with Tamas Priskin preferred to Darius Henderson in attack as Adrian Boothroyd’s relegated side look to bid farewell to the Barclays Premiership in style.

The Hornets are without defender Jay DeMerit, who is on approved absence, and forward Hameur Bouazza, who has been granted compassionate leave, while Damien Francis, Gareth Williams and Moses Ashikodi remain sidelined with injury.

Team (from): Foster, Lee, Doyley, Avinel, Shittu, Powell, Carlisle, Stewart, Mariappa, Smith, Rinaldi, Bangura, Williamson, Mahon, Chambers, King, Henderson, Priskin, Kabba.