The Local Lowdown: Watford

Watford remain within striking distance of the Championship play-off places. How has the league form been since Saints’ last visit to Vicarage Road in early December?

Much better away from home than at home actually. Watford haven’t won in the Championship at Vicarage Road since November 28th, and it’s been two draws and two defeats since (including the Saints game). Away from home, they’re unbeaten in six.

The Hornets scraped through the third round with a last-gasp victory over National League leaders Chesterfield. How was the performance that day?

You’ve summed it up pretty well there – scraped through. After a bright start and some good chances, Watford fell away. Chesterfield deserved their lead and were certainly worth a replay at least. Watford just didn’t reach the levels they have in recent league games, and the stoppage-time winner was as harsh as it was welcome.

Tom Dele-Bashiru scores Watford's 95th-minute winner against Chesterfield

Would you expect Valérien Ismaël to make a lot of changes for the game on Sunday?

Not really, because he said before the Chesterfield game he saw the FA Cup as an important opportunity to build on the work done in league games. There are a couple of players definitely out injured (Edo Kayembe and Jeremy Ngakia), but Jamal Lewis returned from injury last week and Ken Sema resumed training this week. He might switch one or two around, but it’ll be a strong team.

At the time of writing, two players have departed Watford in the transfer window. Are there plans to bring in any new faces before the deadline?

The first signing was completed on Tuesday, with Emmanuel Dennis returning on loan from Nottingham Forest until the end of the season. He was a diamond in the dirt when Watford were relegated from the Premier League a couple of seasons ago. If he recaptures that form then it’s potentially a season-changing signing as he’s got all the ability to be good for the Championship. I think it would be surprising if we don’t bring one or two more in before the deadline closes.

How do you see Sunday's game going, and how will Ismaël’s side approach it?

Like I said, I expect a strong team and there’ll be no using the cup as a chance to rest players and take the foot off the pedal. Doubt Ismaël would want a replay mind you, given he was hoping to have some clear weeks between games this month and already we’ve had a trip to Sheffield Wednesday slotted in next Wednesday.