'Don't take Dons lightly'

Ray Lewington today warned his Watford side to expect no easy ride against struggling Wimbledon.

Lewington, whose son Dean will line up for the Dons, is concerned that his team are expected to steamroller Stuart Murdoch's depleted side at Vicarage Road tomorrow. "All week I've been fending off people who expect this match to be a stroll in the park," said the Watford manager.

"If the players have been having similar conversations, then we could have a problem.

"All it needs is for us to be just 10 per cent off the pace and there could be danger in this game. I am worried about it.

"I know that Stuart was angry at his side's defeat to Coventry last weekend and Dean tells me they haven't had a day off this week and that they have been working hard.

"The worst thing we could do is take them lightly because they will make us pay.

"I know they have lost a lot of players but, on their day, they are still capable of worrying any team in the First Division." Lewington is likely to keep the same side which earned its second successive League victory, at Walsall last weekend.

"I know the Wimbledon personnel and they play quite well," said Lewington. "I will probably stick to the same team."

Striker Heidar Helguson is suspended while Marcus Gayle and Danny Webber are injured. "Marcus is some way off," said Lewington. "But Danny's shoulder has improved appreciably. He joined in training yesterday and if there is no joint stiffness, he could be back in full training next week and be available for selection soon after."