Nine points are what separates Watford from a place in the Championship play-offs and a spot in the relegation zone but Beppe Sannino says he isn’t paying attention to the league table ahead of this weekend’s trip to AFC Bournemouth.

After the Hornets made a solid start to their league campaign – which included a 6-1 victory over the Cherries at Vicarage Road – their form has stuttered and the club have slipped to 15th in the table.

Since taking charge in December, Sannino has made Watford difficult to score against and they have only been beaten once during his reign.

Senior figures at Watford have reiterated the play-offs remain the target but Sannino insists he is just focusing on Watford’s next opponent and this weekend that is Eddie Howe’s side.

The Hornets head coach said: “I am not watching the table at this moment.

“We have to approach Saturday’s game as best as possible and try to achieve the maximum points from the match.”

Almen Abdi could be included in the travelling squad but the club remain cautious as he continues his comeback from a long-term foot injury.

Hector Bellerin and Mathias Ranegie will be available after they were ineligible for the midweek FA Cup win against Bristol City so Watford should only be without four players for tomorrow’s (Saturday’s) match.

Tommie Hoban, whilst nearing a first-team return from an ankle injury, remains out as does Algerian defender Essaid Belkalem (ankle).

Marco Cassetti will miss the game as he continues his recovery from a knee injury and Alexander Merkel is unavailable as he serves the second of a three-game suspension after being sent off against Reading last week.

Sannino confirmed yesterday (Thursday) that Davide Faraoni and Ikechi Anya are both in contention for a place in the squad after coming through Tuesday’s win against the Robins without any problems.

The Hornets head coach also stated Cristian Battocchio could be included despite his agent claiming he is set for a loan move back to Italy.

Bournemouth, who have won just one of their last seven home games in all competitions, could be without top scorer Lewis Grabban as he was in talks with Brighton & Hove Albion over a possible transfer yesterday (Thursday).