Midfielder Jonathan Hogg is unlikely to start for the Hornets at Birmingham City tomorrow (Saturday), having not trained with the squad this week.

Hogg missed last weekend’s defeat to Reading at Vicarage Road with a knee injury and manager Sean Dyche has rated the former Aston Villa man as “touch and go” for the clash with city rivals Birmingham.

There was better news elsewhere however, with Dyche revealing the club had no new injury concerns to report.

Stephen McGinn is still not in contention while former Blues defender Martin Taylor also misses out against his former club after suffering a broken toe in a friendly against Dagenham & Redbridge last week.

On Hogg, Dyche explained: “We will have to monitor him wisely. It [his injury] has settled down and he has been with the physios for a few days now. It is touch and go. We have no other injuries, just the usual bumps and bruises.”

The Watford boss has labelled his side as the underdogs as they prepare for the trip to St Andrews, with tomorrow’s hosts boasting an impressive recent record.

City have not lost since Kagisho Dikgacoi’s late effort saw them beaten at Crystal Palace in mid-December and boast a hugely impressive home record this season.

Chris Hughton’s side have lost just once in front of the St Andrews faithful so far this campaign, that coming in the Europa League against Portuguese side Braga in September.

More recently, the Blues thrashed Millwall 6-0 on the road on Saturday before overcoming Premier League neighbours Wolverhampton Wanderers in an FA Cup replay on Wednesday night – a performance which impressed the watching Dyche.

The manager continued: “They are a good side. I went to watch them last night (Wednesday) and they were able to win despite making six changes, which shows you the strength of their squad.

“They have not only got a good side but a very experienced one and I am sure it is going to be a tough test.

“They have big players who were playing in the Premier League last season and they are a team with a huge wage bill, which usually means you have a good squad. It is a fantastic test to come to a big club like Birmingham.”