The news that Andre Gray is missing from tonight's Burnley line-up will irk the club's heirarchy for more than simply because of the reason behind his forced omission.

Since a number of historical tweets emerged from the depths of the 25-year-old's social media account last month, he has found himself in hot water with the FA for a needless misdemeanour, and tonight marks the first of a four-game ban imposed by the heads of English football.

Danny Ings was charged with providing their goals last time they were in the Premier League but this year, even with his replacement Gray having netted 25 times last season, the Clarets have had the second-lowest number of shots so far, scoring three goals; and that's with Gray in the team, so his loss will be 

That said, all three of Burnley's goals have come at Turf Moor, where they have already beaten Liverpool and drawn with Hull; and since a 1-2 reverse to Reading exactly a year ago today, they have only lost twice on home soil.

Former Hornet Sean Dyche has done a remarkable job at Burnley on limited resources, and the £20million the club spent in the summer is, by their standards, hugely significant.

Last time they were here their biggest signing was Lucas Jutkiewicz for the princely sum of £3 million, with bargains like Michael Kightly and Michael Keane filling their squad.

The ageing Joey Barton was a big loss for Dyche when he opted to join Rangers instead of stay in Lancashire - although in hindsight, perhaps a blessing in disguise.

But the additions of Steven Defour, linked with a move to Southampton earlier in the summer, and Derby's Jeff Hendrick, have given them extra bite in the heart of midfield, and they will prove a tough nut to crack as Watford search for a third win on the spin.