Watford v Ipswich: Scott Loach has backed his own unbeaten Blues’ run to overcome the Hornets hoodoo.

Paul Jewell’s men will tonight look to taste victory against Watford for the first time in an incredible 16 matches – stretching back eight years.

But they now have in their ranks something of a good luck charm, with former Hornets’ keeper Loach yet to be defeated in six matches either for or against Ipswich.

The 24-year-old, who enjoyed four wins against Ipswich and remains undefeated since signing for them, has backed the Blues to finally end one of the worst runs in English football.

Loach said: “I don’t think I have ever lost against Town so hopefully I can turn it around tonight. Everyone talks about stats, but I don’t read too much into it.

“I know Watford’s strengths. On the day, they can be one of the hardest teams to play against in the league, but at the same time when you look at the ability of our team we will go there with no fear.”

Loach made more than 160 appearances for Watford, but also never hid the fact that one day he would love to return to Town having been part of the club’s academy.

He said: “I think I will get a mixed response. It is up to the fans what they want to do – if they want to boo me, they can, or if they want to cheer, that’s fine.

“More importantly, I am going there as an Ipswich Town player and, no offence to anyone at Watford, I am going there to win.”

* Follow @davegoods and @Stuart_Watson on Twitter for all the team news, reports and reaction from Vicarage Road tonight