Watford are one victory away from reaching Wembley and playing in an FA Cup semi-final. Hornets defender Sebastian Prödl says that should be all the motivation the players need when they take to the field against Arsenal on Sunday.

The Golden Boys have defeated Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Leeds United to reach the last eight of the competition but the Gunners will offer a much greater challenge.

Arsene Wenger’s side have won the cup twice in the last two seasons.

They possess a wealth of knock-out football experience and, when on form, are one of the best sides in England.

They are understandably favourites to progress. But Prödl believes Watford, who will receive support from over 8,000 away fans, can go into the tie knowing they have nothing to lose.

“We are excited but it was the hardest draw we could’ve had at this stage,” the Austrian centre back said.

“They will be favourites to win the game because they have a lot of experience in this competition and know how to handle these matches.

“It’s a big game for us against a strong contender. But when we have faced the bigger teams this season we have given them trouble.

“That’s we want to do on Sunday. We will go there with confidence.

“To play at Wembley would be a great honour but it won’t be easy to get there. We’ve done well until now in the competition this season, so why shouldn’t we be positive?

“We know we are only one – or perhaps two games – from Wembley. That should be our motivation on Sunday.”

Watford only discovered their opponents on Tuesday after Arsenal overcame Hull City 4-0 in their fifth round replay.

It has given Hornets boss Quique Sanchez Flores only four days to prepare for one of the biggest games in Watford’s season.

The Spaniard is somewhat of a cup specialist having won domestic cups in Spain, Portugal and the UAE so knows what is required from his players in the high pressure environment of knock-out football.

“He is preparing us in the same way that has allowed us to be successful this season. That hasn’t changed,” Prödl explained.

“It isn’t a normal game because we know that after 90 minutes you could be playing at Wembley. That would be a big point in everyone’s career. So the mentality is a little different.

“We have nothing to lose. We all want to win but a draw wouldn’t be the worst result for us either. We are looking forward to the game.”

When Watford and Arsenal met earlier in the season the Gunners ran out 3-0 winners at Vicarage Road despite the Hornets matching them for most of the game.

But both sides have struggled for form in recent weeks and after Arsenal’s win at Hull, a banner was unveiled by supporters imploring Wenger to step down.

So can Watford take advantage of the disconcerted atmosphere?

“We don’t think about our opponents problems. That’s not our business,” Prödl stressed. “We’ve just got to focus on what we do. We don’t care too much about their situation.

“We were equal for most of the game when we played them earlier in the season. But they had ten very good minutes and that was enough.

“We’ve developed a lot since then, although it will be hard at the Emirates. We can enjoy the game and the big match atmosphere.”