Taylor takes losses in his stride

Graham Taylor, the Watford manager, is not worrying unduly despite seeing his side lose their last two games.

Graham Taylor, the Watford manager, is not worrying unduly despite seeing his side lose their last two games.

Taylor, who plans to name an unchanged team for the home game with Preston today, said: "You know you can't keep winning like we were - if we did we'd end up with 130 points and that just doesn't happen." Preston will be missing the suspended defenders Colin Murdock and Graham Alexander.

The First Division leaders, Fulham, host Portsmouth, who will be without the injured Rory Allen, Lee Mills and Mladen Rudonja. Bolton Wanderers are hoping to sign the Cameroon international Pierre Njanka after a trial this week as a replacement for Mark Fish, who joined Charlton this week. Njanka could face Norwich City.

Blackburn will take to the field in old-fashioned shirts to celebrate their 125th birthday today when they host Wolves, who hope to have George Ndah back in their starting line-up.

Michele di Piedi, Sheffield Wednesday's promising young Italian, is likely to start in the south Yorkshire derby at Barnsley, probably replacing Andy Booth. Barnsley hope to welcome back Darren Barnard, Matty Appleby and Adie Moses from injury.

Nottingham Forest could be without Alan Rogers for up to nine months after he tore an anterior cruciate ligament. They face Wimbledon, who are likely to recall Neil Ardley and Jason Euell. The bottom club, Huddersfield Town, will have Chris Holland, Jon Dyson, Delroy Facey and Kevin Gallen back from injury for the trip to QPR.

High-flying Burnley will face a searching test at Birmingham, who will pitch Richard Edghill straight into action after his loan move from Manchester City.

Derek McInnes and the striker Jason Roberts are ruled out of West Brom's home clash with Gillingham, while Ademola Bankole and Rodney Jack could figure for Crewe against Stockport County at Gresty Road.

Improving Crystal Palace will be without Neil Ruddock in defence when they entertain Tranmere Rovers, while Sheffield United welcome back Marcus Bent for their game with Grimsby at Bramall Lane.

* Health and safety experts have told Notts County they must dig up and replace their pitch after flooding left their playing surface contaminated with dangerous bacteria.