Bristol City have Beppe Sannino’s maximum respect ahead of tonight's FA Cup third round replay and the Hornets head coach believes the competition is very important for Watford.

The two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the first tie and the winner of the replay will face a trip to free scoring Manchester City or Blackburn Rovers in the fourth round.

Sannino has emphasised the traditions of the FA Cup make it a “fascinating tournament” and, while he may make changes to the side which was beaten by Reading, he will not take the Robins lightly.

Speaking yesterday, he said: “For me everything is important. Tomorrow’s match is the most important match of the season. After that then the next match is the most important. But The FA Cup is very important for us.”

He continued: “I have maximum respect for them (Bristol City) because the fact we are playing a replay shows they have good quality and they are a good team.”