FT: Watford 0-1 Crystal Palace

1. Cabaye pen after Nyom fouls Zaha
2. Jurado & Gayle both hit the woodwork
3. Palace climb to sixth in table
4. Palace won 9 of 12 away games under Pardew

That's all from us for the evening then - ta-ra and I'll see you tomorrow night with all the action from the Hawthorns.

Nice reaction from Zaha

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew tells BBC Sport:

“Our concentration levels were really good. We lost tight games to Man City and Spurs, which were kind of self inflicted, but not today. We concentrated really well, and the centre-backs were the pick of the bunch. 

"The wide guys made the breakthough, it was actually Wilfried Zaha a substitute that did that. I have three great options but only two can play. It was nice that Wilf got that reaction, we trust him.

"The penalty was a very good decision, the ball was just outside the box but the challenge was inside. It was dispatched by Yohan Cabaye, though Dwight Gayle was meant to be taking it so it surprised me.

"Cabaye’s got experience and confidence to do it at any level. He’s level and confident, Dwight has had his share of penalties, he had two this week, so it would have been a bit greedy."

Reuters

Not entertaining but a win

Crystal Palace

More from the Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew:

"We have good players to play away from home. In the first half we didn’t give any concessions to Watford, it made the game even and tight and not particularly entertaining, but gave us good confidence to win the game, and we did.

"That’s the options when you’ve got quality players – more and more of these Premier League games are 14-man games and you need that strength and quality off the bench. I didn’t think we deserved to lose at Man City, Tottenham was tough on us too, so this makes up for those."

What next?

Crystal Palace are at home to West Brom next weekend, while Watford travel to Bournemouth.

Alan Pardew says that his side are set-up to play away from home - and the stats bear that out.

Three away wins from four games this season. 

Get Involved

Another great result for Palace and Pardew, grinding out wins with penalties is good, but we need some free flowing goals, without a penalty, today would have been 0-0

Chris in Kent

Performance lifted Pardew

Crystal Palace

Palace manager Alan Pardew felt his side were always the more likely to win the game, and told Sky Sports he's pleased with the attitude of Wilfried Zaha who came off the bench to win the penalty:

“Sometimes as a manager you want a performance that lifts you – the back four were terrific and didn’t give Watford too much daylight. Down the sides our wide players caused trouble and we got ourselves a great win in a tight game. We’ve lost two tight games, so a win makes up for the games where the margins cost us.”

“I thought Wilfried Zaha did very well against Charlton in midweek, and then today fresh coming off the bench he caused a problem because he’s got that determination to prove me wrong – and I like that.

“I just think we carried a little more threat – we had a key moment and I’m not sure they did today. Second half Dwight Gayle should have scored. It wasn’t a classic but it was a good game for me and my staff.”

AP

'A very big decision'

Watford

Watford manager Quique Flores tells BBC Sport: "There was not much difference between the two sides today.

"It was difficult to stop their attack, it was uncomfortable for us. We need to open up the pitch more.

"We did not stop the counter-attack, we were disorganised. It was a very big decision from the referee to decide the match. I am not sure."

Reuters

Get Involved

Kyle Utterson: Not the best of games but massive win for Palace taking them 6th and I think they are genuinely top 6 contenders.

Palace boss Alan Pardew says that he always felt that his team had a moment in them - but admits that it was 'not a classic.'

Full reaction to come. 

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Ben in Brighton on text: May be stuck on a Geology field trip in Dorset but great to see Palace win again!! Yohan Cabaye is rewarded for a great start to his Palace career!!

Shane Daly on Twitter: I think its safe to say that Alan Pardew is a top manager, I don't mean good, I mean he's a great manager, well done Alan.

How good a manager is Alan Pardew? Where can Palace finish this season?

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Watford end the weekend in 13th spot but it's hard to draw many conclusions from that performance.

They failed to test Wayne Hennessey in the Palace goal on many occasions but didn't look unduly troubled either.

Are there three worse teams in the Premier League? That may be all they need...

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Maziko Soberman: Alan Pardew for Englaaaaand!!!!! from Malawi

Kyle Utterson: Pardew is probably the best English born manager. Maybe Eddie Howe though he's a lot younger.

Phil Bird: Remind me again why Newcastle wanted Pardew out?

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'We ground it out'

Crystal Palace defender Scott Dann: "We knew it would be tough today so we are delighted. We deserved more from our last two games. We had to grind it out and it was our first clean sheet of the season."

Where in the world?

Palace a club 'on the up'

Aidy Boothroyd

Former Watford boss on Radio 5 live sports extra

“Palace have got to keep their players fit and if they add in January who knows where they could finish. 

"Away from home they are real difficult opponents, but at home they will have to come out a bit more; you might see more boring games because counter attack is their strength but they look like a club on the up because they can score goals.”

Top-six side?

Crystal Palace slide up to sixth place in the Premier League - is Europe a realistic aim for the Eagles this season?

Speedy wingers the key for Palace

Aidy Boothroyd

Former Watford boss on Radio 5 live sports extra

“We've seen two teams who are evenly matched, Crystal Palace looked to counter from the very start, while Watford looked to build but didn’t get Ighalo and Deeney involved enough. 

"They huffed and puffed – the best chance was when they hit the cross bar. The key for Palace was getting Nyom isolated with speedy wingers like Zaha, and that’s what led to the penalty."

Watford's biggest home crowd in 15 years leave in disappointed mood as their side trudge off the field.

Match-winner Yohan Cabaye waits for a man in the Watford end and gives him his Palace shirt. Solid shift. 

FULL-TIME

Crystal Palace are sixth in the Premier League after yet another away win!

Jose Jurado has a shot well blocked by Joe Ledley...

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CLOSE!

Yannick Bolasie floats a shot from range onto the roof of the net.

FIVE MINUTES added on. Hope springs for Watford...

Watford just look frustrated as nothing they try comes off. Looks like a home defeat. 

Reuters

Lots of cards since half-time

Aidy Boothroyd

Former Watford boss on Radio 5 live sports extra

“If we see the game out with all 22 players on the pitch I’ll be surprised the way it’s going. All these yellow cards seem to have come in the second half.”

Will we see #pardewforengland trending? It would make life more interesting on the international front I reckon. Into the final stages. Can Palace hang on? 

Reuters

Get Involved

Is it going to be another away win for Palace?

Scott Wilcox: In tournament football, every game is away from home. Just saying. #pardewforengland

Might be getting carried away slightly.....

CLOSE!

That's initially rubbish from Dwight Gayle as he runs into a cul-de-sac after beating the offside trap, it's then genius as he somehow extricates himself into space and powers in a left-footed drive that flashes a yard wide of the post.

His reward is to be hooked. On comes Frazier Campbell. 

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Yes, yeh, yeh. You should see the weather in Salford.

Eight minutes left. The neutrals don't need any added time.

PA

YELLOW CARD

Jason Puncheon curls a free-kick over the wall but straight at Heurelho Gomes in the Watford goal. Puncheon is then booked for a hack at Ben Watson as the away end proclaim him as 'one of their own.'

Cabaye substitution makes sense

Aidy Boothroyd

Former Watford boss on Radio 5 live sports extra

“A little bit more defensive thinking from Alan Pardew, still looking to defend a little deeper. McArthur’s also bigger for set pieces, so it makes sense. Cabaye has done his bit.”

Reuters

CLOSE!

Almost the game-sealer. A cross from the left is headed down by Wilfried Zaha and Dwight Gayle gets across his man to nudge a volley on goal - but he can only find the side-netting.

SUBSTITUTION

Incredibly bad free-kick from Watford sub Steve Berghuis lets Palace off the hook. Palace withdraw the now booked Yohan Cabaye and on comes James McArthur. Will there be a siege from the home side?

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Matthew Bennett: Annoying goal to concede. It's the only way Palace can ever score against Watford though.

Kumailj: Zaha winning the penalty against Watford? Déjà vu

Was it a penalty? Get in touch now using #bbcfootball on Twitter, post on the BBC Match of the Day Facebook page or text 81111 - just remember to include your name.

YELLOW CARD

BBC Sport's resident Watford guru tells me that Wilfried Zaha was the Palace player fouled by Marco Cassetti for the decisive penalty in the 2013 play-off final. Basically the same place too.

Watford didn't learn their lesson. Yohan Cabaye is booked this time. Definitely. 

AP

'It's just like Wembley again' sing the away fans as Palace enjoy their lead. Just over 15 minutes left as Watford chuck on Nathan Ake. 

Allan Nyom is the man off. 

Goal could get game going

Aidy Boothroyd

Former Watford boss on Radio 5 live sports extra

“To be fair it’s been coming. Nyom is reckless and he’s keen, but in the box that’s going to cause a problem.

"Very, very cool penalty right in the top corner from Cabaye, Gomes is getting nowhere near that one - and I'm hoping that will get this game going."

Reuters

Watford instantly have a sight of goal but Idion Ighalo is blocked out. The Hornets have to push on now which may allow Palace more joy on the break. 

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GOAL - Watford 0-1 Crystal Palace

I thought Dwight Gayle would be on this butYohan Cabayepulls rank and then pulls out a fine finish, high into the net.

Allan Nyom, that's on you.

Reuters

PENALTY TO PALACE

Something has happened! A silly, clumsy challenge from Allan Nyom on Wilfried Zaha. Right, right on the line. Penalty given!

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Where are you following the game from?

Jamie Pelling: Slow game suits the Eagles. And me as I sit on a train from Chicago to the Indiana Dunes

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Palace string together a neat move but it all unwinds via a slack touch from Yohan Cabaye.

The longer it goes on, and the worse this game gets, the more depressing and annoying your pictures become.

Oh for....

Reuters

SUBSTITUTION

Not jealous Rob. At all.

Watford make a change and it's Steven Berghuis on for Almen Abdi. I confess I don't know much about Berghuis. Let's see what he's all about. 

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Where are you keeping in touch with the game from today?

Rob's got the right idea....

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Bread and butter chance for Gayle

Aidy Boothroyd

Former Watford boss on Radio 5 live sports extra

“Palace should be in front, that is a bread and butter chance for Dwight Gayle. It came from the Watford right back being under pressure from Sako, it was a lovely ball that beat everybody but Gayle couldn’t finish.”

SUBSTITUTION

Bag of tricks off, bag of tricks on. Bakary Sako replaced by Wilfried Zaha for Crystal Palace. Can he find us a goal?

HITS THE WOODWORK

And that's both sides who have hit the crossbar in this half! This is for once wonderful stuff down the left as Bakary Sako beats his man and puts over a fine low cross, in the corridor  and Dwight Gayle stretches to reach it. He's never fully in control of the shot though and can only loop an effort against the outside of the post/bar. 

Getty Images

Gaps starting to develop

Aidy Boothroyd

Former Watford boss on Radio 5 live sports extra

“There is gaps now developing between Crystal Palace’s midfield and the back four, I just wonder if that is playing into Watford’s hands a little bit?”

Bakary Sako scuffs a free-kick wide for Palace as both sides look desperately for a spark of imagination. The crowd have gone very quiet and you can't blame them.

AP

Corner for Watford whipped in, Sebastian Prodl has a free header but he somehow misreads the flight of it and the chance is gone. The Hornets turning the screw.

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Where are you today whilst keeping track of Watford v Crystal Palace? Samir made a good choice....

GREAT SAVE!

Great strike! Watford come close again as Almen Abdi thumps in a shot from 20 yards which calls Wayne Hennessey into flying action. Lovely hit.

AP

That free-kick was something of a false dawn as the game descends back into a midfield lull. Perhaps a change from the bench can find the breakthrough

Watford have Alessandro Diamanti available, or Palace could turn to the unpredictable talent of Wilf Zaha.

AP

Tune in

You do not get much closer to scoring than that. What a hit by Jose Jurado. Crystal Palace have reacted well though, attacking with pace and threat down the left and winning a free-kick of their own.

'Terrific effort'

Aidy Boothroyd

Former Watford boss on Radio 5 live sports extra

“Considering the size of the wall that is a terrific effort at goal. I don’t think Hennessey had it covered – unfortunately for Jurado it's just a little bit too high for him.”

HITS THE WOODWORK

That's more like it! Wonderful strike from Watford midfielder Jose Jurado, as he shakes, rattles and rolls the crossbar with a 20-yard free-kick! Great strike, and Troy Deeney can't keep the rebound down. 

Reuters

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Bjornar Fjelde: Go Hangeland! Listen to the game in Bergen, Norway

cngaiyaye: Letting my mind wonder with the excellent commentary on BBC service here in Blantyre, Malawi.

Get in touch now using #bbcfootball on Twitter, post on the BBC Match of the Day Facebook page or text 81111 - just remember to include your name.    

KICK-OFF

No changes in personnel as we get the second-half under way. Things can only get better...

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There may be plenty of people glad they didn't go to Vicarage Road for today's game on the evident so far, but there's also lots of you keeping tabs from far and wide....

Anthony Wilkey: On the stunning Ilha de Tavira beach in the Algarve willing Ighalo to keep his good run going. 

Edward Hamilton: Tuning in from Biarritz to listen to the Eagles. Going for 2-1 to Palace, Gayle to score! COYP!

Where are you watching or listening to today's game? Get in touch now using #bbcfootball on Twitter, post on the BBC Match of the Day Facebook page or text 81111 - just remember to include your name.

Sign them up!

Goalmouth action at last as some youngsters have a penalty shootout out on the pitch. A classic in the half-time entertainment world. 

Mildly better than a man trying to chip the ball into a shed, or zorbing, not quite as good as a falconry display I witnessed at Notts County on Boxing Day 1998.

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Not a lot of goalmouth action so far - what have you made of it?

Neil Leverett: Watford yet to concede a goal at vicarage Road in their return to the prem in 315 mins. Disciplined.

The Sweeper Keeper: The ball seems to have spent a great deal of time out of play.

Get in touch now using #bbcfootball on Twitter, post on the BBC Match of the Day Facebook page or text 81111 - just remember to include your name.

I've quite literally never agreed with Aidy Boothroyd more. We haven't seen anywhere near enough goalmouth action.

Pards, Quique - have a word please.

Getty Images

'Not enough goal mouth action'

Aidy Boothroyd

Former Watford boss on Radio 5 live sports extra

"Crystal Palace in particular will be saying let's get down the left and get at Allan Nyom more, encourage more width.

"For Watford they can move the ball a bit faster and get into attacking areas quicker, and keep Troy Deeney central. We haven’t seen enough goal mouth action.”

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Watford remain the only team not to concede a first-half goal in the Premier League this season. Can either side craft a goal after the break?

Fair result so far

Aidy Boothroyd

Former Watford boss on Radio 5 live sports extra

"There's been two really good chances, for Watford a cross from the left and for Palace a terrific free-kick Hangeland's got his head to and Gomes made the save. I think at half-time that's a fair result and the referee has done very well."

Reuters

HALF-TIME

Super Sunday? Not yet. 

Here we go then, this is it! Odion Ighalo is fouled by Brede Hangeland, 25 yards out. Bang central. Curl this in...?

Decent effort from Ikechi Anya but it hits the top of the wall and flicks away.

Hangeland interception important

Aidy Boothroyd

Former Watford boss on Radio 5 live sports extra

“Great move down the Watford left-hand side there. Best chance for Watford that, really good movement down the left and side, got in to a good crossing area and Hangeland made an important interception.”

Getty Images

Too many aimless crosses?

Crystal Palace are pumping in the crosses - they've delivered 11 from open play so far. That's more than Arsenal (8), Liverpool (10) and Tottenham (9) managed in 90 minutes yesterday. And those three scored 12 goals between them.

Ikechi Anya gets on his bike to attack down the Watford left but Brede Hangeland is able to extend a go-go-gadget leg and hook his cross away from the waiting Troy Deeney.

Are we going to get a goal before half-time? Doesn't look like it. 

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YELLOW CARD

I can't help but feel that you're not making the most of Florida Steve.

A booking now as Almen Abdi trips Yannick Bolasie. Good ironic, if factually correct, use of the well-known chant labelling Watford as 'ill-disciplined northern scoundrels.'

Or similar.

Yohan Cabaye's free-kick zips through the goalmouth. 

Get Involved

Aham Ebogu: Rooting for Ighalo to get the goals all the way from Lagos Nigeria.

Steve Smith: Listening to Radio 5 Live, from Port St Lucie, South Florida - come on, you 'orns!!

Where are you following the game today? Get involved using #bbcfootball on Twitter.

Yannick Bolasie into space, his cross is easily cut out. I hesitate to use the word 'poor' but this game is not really kicking into gear.

Raise it please.

Reuters

Palace pace a 'horrible thing' for defenders

Aidy Boothroyd

Former Watford boss on Radio 5 live sports extra

“Sako, Puncheon, Gayle and Bolasie have got that horrible thing where as a defender you want to tackle them, but you know they’ll poke it past you because their feet are that quick. I’m sure they win more free-kicks than a lot of Premier League teams.”

It transpires that Yohan Cabaye WAS NOT BOOKED for that challenge a few moments ago. My apologies. Palace now win a corner, can they fashion a chance?

No. Over hit and out of play. 

Reuters

Troy Deeney does well to beat Scott Dann to a cross from the right but he can't generate the required power or accuracy on the header. The fans have mirrored the action on the pitch now, going a bit quiet. 

YELLOW CARD

RIP Sox. RIP.

Yohan Cabaye is in the book for a clumsy challenge in midfield, the game is in a lull.

Our final Wembley memory

And it's a belter...

My late dog Sox who died aged 16 two years ago was called 'Wembley Whitesox Ravanelli Mcfarlane.' Born in 1997 and named after Boro's first goalscorer at Wembley vs Leicester in the League Cup final. This May at the play-off final Sox finally made it to Wembley. His ashes were left to flutter around the great stadium. Shame about the result.

Michelle

Cabaye can win games

Aidy Boothroyd

Former Watford boss on Radio 5 live sports extra

“He’s impressive Yohan Cabaye, he’s got all that talent but he works so hard for the team too. He can win games and his relationship with Alan Pardew will have played a part in him coming to Palace, but it shows where the club are at the moment.”

AP

Watford having more of the ball now but it's Palace who carry all the threat in the final third. Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo not in the game for Watford yet. 

PA

Lop-sided

Do you reckon Crystal Palace are trying to get at Watford down the right? This graphic certainly suggests so.

Ikechi Anya - who started his career as a striker - is playing left-back for the Hornets...

Opta

Bolasie could cause problems

Aidy Boothroyd

Former Watford boss on Radio 5 live sports extra

“It’s a key battle between Allan Nyom and whoever is playing on the left for Palace. If Palace can leave Yannick Bolasie out there and isolate him that could cause Watford problems.”

CLOSE!

Yohan Cabaye lines up another free-kick for the dominant Palace, it hits the wall though and Jason Puncheon screws the follow-up wide.

Is Puncheon in with a chance of an England call-up at all? Roy Hodgson could use his remaining qualifiers to give some fringe players a go.

He won't. But he could do. 

Ben Watson hurt his wrist in the penalty area during that Brede Hangeland chance but after some treatment he's OK to continue. The early break-neck, break-wrist tempo is threatening to die down. 

'Excellent reaction' by Gomes

Aidy Boothroyd

Former Watford boss on Radio 5 live sports extra

"It was a brilliant save, a great delivery from Cabaye spun in towards the far post, Hangeland got on it and it was an excellent reaction save from Heurehlo Gomes.”

Reuters

CLOSE!

Troy Deeney is dropping deep to try and link up with Odion Ighalo but his low cross is easily cut out. Palace counter and win a free-kick. 

What a delivery! Yohan Cabaye with a sensational cross, Brede Hangeland meets it with a meaty forehead and Heurelho Gomes makes a point-blank stop.

Should really have scored...

AP

Let us know if you are tuning in from foreign fields. I make it around 20 nationalities across the team sheet today. A global game for sure.

Palace continue to keep hold of the ball - they've had a touch under 80% of the possession so far.

AP

Listen worldwide

It's still a game being played on steroids, no time to take a touch in midfield. Our texter's rather fanciful claim earlier on that this is also the two best sets of fans in the Premier League may not be far off the mark - plenty of noise in the opening stages. 

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'Vital Watford defend well'

Aidy Boothroyd

Former Watford boss on Radio 5 live sports extra

It’s a very good start from Watford and it’s vital today they defend well and don’t give up the ball and allow Crystal Palace to set off on those lightning counter attacks.

CLOSE!

Watford's record signing 'Saint' Etienne Capoue launches a shot wide from 25 yards. It's shoot on sight stuff in the early days here. I'm all for that.

If the game carries on at this pace we'll need oxygen in the press box, never mind on the field. Watford attack this time, Craig Cathcart's cross not dealt with and Troy Deeney almost getting in behind the Palace defence. 100mph stuff. 

Reuters

A console game start from Palace, they pass it to Yannick Bolasie from kick-off and he runs straight at goal, shooting over from 20 yards! That's the way to do it. Electric. 

Shopping all over the world

Former Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd is watching the game for BBC 5 Live Sports Extra today:

“It’s a different club to the one I was at. We used to get players from Chorleywood, now they get them from all over the world.”

KICK-OFF

Game on at Watford. Lovely afternoon for it.

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Get Involved - Wembley memories

Gregory Edwards: My dad's last game before he died was Swansea Reading 2011 play-off final.A memory I'll cherish forever. My dad with his two boys.

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LINE-UPS

Watford: Gomes, Nyom, Prodl, Cathcart, Anya, Abdi, Capoue, Watson, Jurado, Deeney, Ighalo. Subs: Paredes, Ake, Guedioura, Ibarbo, Berghuis, Diamanti, Arlauskis.

Crystal Palace: Hennessey, Kelly, Dann, Hangeland, Souare, Cabaye, Ledley, Sako, Puncheon, Bolasie, Gayle. Subs: Mariappa, Campbell, Zaha, Alex McCarthy, McArthur, Gray, Croll.

Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)

Sunday blues?

Watford have won just one of their eight Premier League matches played on a Sunday (W1 D2 L5), but are unbeaten in their last three.

This is the first top-flight meeting of these two sides. Sun's out, fans in good voice, Harry the Hornet is buzzing. Let's do this!

Aidy Boothroyd is earning his dough today, a full 10-hour shift at BBC Sport...

Get Involved - Wembley memories

Steven Levett: Sadly still not seen a game at Wembley, but I saw Ed Sheeran perform and he wore an England shirt if that counts!

Dave Sey: seeing Northampton get taken apart in 20 odd minutes against Bradford in the play off final 2013.

Nathan Spafford: THAT Alex Revell goal, followed by THAT Steve Evans celebration.

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A picture can't do it justice Nathan.

Keep your Wembley memories coming - post on the BBC Match of the Day Facebook page now, you can also get in touch using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or text 81111.  

"Gayle will take shots!"

Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew: "Dwight Gayle comes in and he will take shots. Lots of shots.

"It's an attacking set-up away from home. We won't be gung-ho but it's important to find the right balance.

"Watford have been doing really well but we come here to knock them off their perch."

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Almost game time at the Vic then. It's very rare that there is only one game on a Sunday - everyone is watching lads. Time to deliver!

Get Involved - Wembley memories

Alex in London on 81111: Manchester City come from 2-0 down to win on penalties against Gillingham in the 1999 play off final. I was 8 years old and my uncle didn't want to leave early like the rest of the fans who'd given up hope.

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Luke Nerac: My brother crashing my car the day before, then travelling from Jersey to see Spurs lose 5-1 to Chelsea in FA Cup Semi.

These things are sent to try you Luke....

Tell us your Wembley memories good and bad on the BBC Match of the Day Facebook page now, you can also get in touch using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or text 81111.  

Alan Pardew shakes hands with Vinnie Jones in the Vicarage Road tunnel. It's wall to wall Hollywood glamour on here today...

Get Involved - Wembley memories

Barry Lee Duxbury: 10th time lucky for Preston in the play offs, only bettered by six weeks later watching AC/DC there. Amazing memories at that place!  

AC/DC can't compete with PNE surely?

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Steve Hamilton: Arsenal v Ipswich 1978 and v West Ham 1980 - lost both. Brilliant time in 1979, beating Man Utd 3-2.

You can still give us your Wembley memories on the BBC Match of the Day Facebook page or use#bbcfootball on Twitter.

Whatever we decide on, I feel Phil Brown comes out of that very well.

Twenty-five minutes to go until kick-off at Vicarage Road.

Who does Quique Flores look like?

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Quique Flores...

Kush in London: Re:15:14 That's obvious, he looks like a cross between Southend manager Phil Brown and actor Hugh Laurie!   

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...has definitely got a hint of Hugh Laurie...

Chris Kearney: Quique Flores looks like the lovechild of Phil Brown and Ben Stiller    

Empics

...a touch of Phil Brown?

Wes Gleeson: Re:15.14 He's a cross between Hugh Laurie and Al Pacino

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...a smidge of Ben Stiller?

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But Al Pacino?! No chance.

Get Involved - Wembley memories

Jimmy Frigg: Scunthorpe fan lost 3-2 to Luton in the Johstone Paint Trophy in April 2009 but returned seven weeks later to beat Millwall 3-2 in league one play off final.

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Mick Munday: 1972 League Cup final Stoke beating Chelsea 2-1, and Bruce Springsteen in concert 1985.

Which was better though?

Tell us your Wembley memories good and bad on the BBC Match of the Day Facebook page now, you can also get in touch using #bbcfootball on Twitter, or text 81111.

We don't mention the Bradford v Northampton game Dave...

Back in the Premier League, Odion Ighalo has scored four of Watford's five league goals this season, earning the Hornets six points.

Could he prove to be one of the surprise hits of the season?

Get Involved - Wembley memories

Wembley isn't just about finals these days either....

Tom Cross on Facebook: Portsmouth beating Spurs in the 2010 semi-final. Massive underdogs, relegated the day before and still overcame the odds to beat them. So many sub plots as well. Amazing day.

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'Mr Portsmouth'

Dave Bewes: Bradford being outclassed 5-0 by Swansea in the League Cup final, then 3 months later dominating Northampton to win promotion.  

Stuart Clark: Being a Swindon fan, the old Wembley was superb, played 3 won 3. 1 league cup final, 2 play off finals. Not so good at the new Wembley, played 3 lost 3.  

You win some, you lose some. What are your Wembley memories good and bad? Get in touch now using #bbcfootball on Twitter, post on the BBC Match of the Day Facebook page or text 81111 - just remember to include your name.  

The beard should be feared

Our colleagues on the BBC Sport rugby desk compiled this handy guide to the best beards of the World Cup this weekend - but Joe Ledley would more than hold his own.

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The Welshman starts in midfield for Palace this afternoon.

Get Involved - Wembley memories

Not all Wembley memories are good ones....

Darren Winsper: My first away game was going to watch West Brom was against Portsmouth in the FA Cup Semi Final. We lost but it was a hell of an experience!  

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Alex Cook: Witnessing Palace beat Watford in 2013. After Kevin Phillips scored the penalty, I spent the majority of extra time staring at the scoreboard and wishing for the game to end!  

Kiel Kyle Jennings: Kidderminster Harriers. First team to take the lead in a competitive game at the new Wembley. First team to lose a competitive match at the new Wembley. Mixed feelings. 

What are your Wembley memories? Get in touch now using #bbcfootball on Twitter, post on the BBC Match of the Day Facebook page or text 81111 - just remember to include your name.  

Watford manager Quique Flores - who I've still not quite decided who he looks like - is in bullish mood as he faces the TV cameras.

He says that Palace will come at them with pace on the counter attack but his side will aim to control possession. 

I covered that game Steve! A great moment for sure - unless you support Bristol City of course. 

Being a neutral at a play-off final can be a wonderful thing.

Loving your Wembley memories so far - keep them rolling. 

Get Involved - Wembley memories

Steve Houlton: Championship Play off final 2008. Windass goal and first promotion to the top flight. Great day.

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Luke Woodward: FA Cup semi-final Stoke beating Bolton 5-0 was amazing. Also the Auto Windscreen Shield final Stoke 2-1 Bristol City in 2000.  

Matthew Hague: Kayode Odejayi missing a one-on-one to keep us in the Barnsley vs Cardiff FA up semi.

Can you better that? Get in touch now using #bbcfootball on Twitter, post on the BBC Match of the Day Facebook page or text 81111 - just remember to include your name.

FULL-TIME

Middlesbrough stay second in the Championship after a convincing win.

Read the reaction here. 

Team News

BBC

Who said 4-4-2 was dead? Alright, everyone did. But Watford keep the faith.

There's goals in this team - but will Ikechi Anya be OK at full-back against the rapid Palace counter?

Get Involved - Wembley memories

What are your best and worst Wembley memories?

Ollie Binns: Hull going 2-0 up inside 8 minutes in the FA Cup final.

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You can get in touch now using #bbcfootball on Twitter, post on the BBC Match of the Day Facebook page or text 81111 - just remember to include your name.  

BreakingTeam News

The Watford team news is as simple as it gets - they are unchanged from the team which won at Newcastle last time out.

Get Involved - Wembley memories

Wembley is a place for winners they say, but someone has to lose. What are your memories good and bad?

Myles on Twitter: Cardiff fan, lost the FA cup final, lost the play off final 3-2, and the carling cup final to Liverpool. Solid record?

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At least you won the FA Cup semi-final.....

What are your Wembley memories - get in touch now using #bbcfootball on Twitter, post on the BBC Sport Faceboook page or text 81111 - just remember to include your name.  

Team News

Palace make six changes from the team which beat Charlton 4-1 in the League Cup in midweek.

Plenty of pace going forwards in this team, and Wilfried Zaha on the bench too.

BBC

BreakingTeam News

The breaking Palace team news is that Dwight Gayle keeps his place in attack after scoring a midweek cup hat-trick. Wayne Hennessey also starts in goal. 

Lawro predicts

BBC Sport

Think you can out predict Lawro?Now's your chance.

Play our predictor game now!

Football League latest

You have to laugh. Or cry.

Incredible error from Sol Bamba allows Boro to add a late third.

Read reaction here.

Get Involved

What are your memories of Wembley - good and bad? Did you team triumph or did you get stuck on the tube and miss kick-off?

Andrew Roach: Without doubt the lowest point of 30 years of supporting Oldham...THAT Mark Hughes goal at Wembley to equalise.

Get

Jack Tanner: Hate the new Wembley. been there three times with Swindon - lost all three games, seven goals conceded, none scored.

Ben Kent: Wearing far too small 80s Watford shorts to Palace play off final & getting onto train packed full of Palace fans

You can get in touch now using #bbcfootball on Twitter, post on the BBC Sport Faceboook page or text 81111 - just remember to include your name.

'We are dangerous'

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Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew: "We've got a lot of pace in the team, which makes us dangerous away from home.

"I don't think anybody had six more difficult [opening] games than us and to take nine points is great.

"We're not getting carried away with our ambitions. We think we can challenge for a Europa League spot if we have a good first half of the season."

Out of adversity and all that Nick?

You've sold me on a cracking atmosphere now. Let's raise the roof!

A turning point?

Re 14.30 The poor showing from Watford fans at Wembley against Palace two years ago led to the creation of the 1881 Movement and a new singing section at the Vic based in the Rookery end. Has completely transformed match atmosphere. Two best sets of fans in the League on show today

Nick, Highbury

'Palace have very clever players'

Watford head coach Quique Sanchez Flores: "We feel confident but we must respect Crystal Palace. They have achieved very good results away from home.

"Crystal Palace are very quick offensively and have players who are very clever at using space. They will come with a high spirit so if we want to win we will have to play very well."

Football League latest

In Sunday's early game high-flying Boro are 2-0 up at home to Leeds with 20 minuets to go. There has been some chronically bad defending, and you can follow the final knockings here.

Steve Wilson

BBC Match of the Day commentator

"The last time these sides met was at Wembley. It's taken Watford a little longer than Palace to make the step up, but now they're both looking comfortable in the top flight.

"All eyes will be on Odion Ighalo, whose footballing journey has taken in Nigeria, Norway, Italy and Spain before landing at Watford. The 20 league goals he's scored in 2015 are certainly catching the eye.

"Palace's aggressive attacking approach is invigorating. It's a desire to win which can sometimes end in defeat - but seldom draws. In 29 games in charge, Alan Pardew has only shared the spoils once."

Tune in

BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

You can enjoy live radio commentary from Vicarage Road this afternoon via the medium of BBC Radio 5 live Sports Extra.

Tune in online, on your radio or on this here page. 

The man to stop?

BBC

Get Involved

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You don't get hats like this any more...

Watford are looking for revenge this afternoon after heartache at Wembley in the play-off final two years ago.

The old/new stadium has been a theatre of pain for many, a crucible of war for some, an island of joy for plenty.

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 You must have some Wembley stories. Let's hear them. Good or bad.

Your finest hour? Your lowest low? Travel problems? Maybe you found love on the Metropolitan line?

Get in touch at #bbcfootball, pop on to the BBC Sport Facebook page or BBC Sport's Google+ area. You can also text us on 81111 in the UK only - don't forget to say who you are and where you are texting from.  

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Have you seen a Cup final win at the stadium?

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Maybe even travelled from abroad?

Acceptable in the 80s

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Football in 1987.

It is over 28 years since Watford won three straight games in the top flight. A record they can match this afternoon.

April 1987 saw the Hornets - at the back end of Graham Taylor's magnificent first spell at the club - win four games in a row.

Madonna's 'La Isla Bonita' was number one, an income tax rate of 25p was mooted by chancellor Nigel Lawson and the world had its first sighting of The Simpsons.

What a time to be alive...

Hornets after revenge?

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27th May, 2013.

Kevin Phillips' penalty in extra-time was enough for Crystal Palace to beat Watford at Wembley and book a place in the Premier League.

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Losing at Wembley is brutal. Losing in extra-time, even more so.

Seeing Palace go on to stay up, recruit the likes of Yohan Cabaye and flourish under the stewardship of Alan Pardew, even more so again.

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But Watford didn't have to wait long to join the Eagles in the top flight. Today the sides meet for the first time since that sunny day down old Wembley way - with the Golden Boys chasing a slice of club history.

Cue up 'Z Cars', get the Sir Elton John stand rocking. It's the only game on this weird Sunday so let's crank it!