Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores says the praise his Hornets players have received this week is much deserved

The Hornets’ steady form during the opening weeks of the campaign went largely unnoticed by pundits and experts alike but, following victories over Swansea City and Newcastle United, Flores’ players have been given plenty of acclaim.

And the Spaniard says it is deserved. “Any time people in football talk nicely about the team that is very important for the players’ confidence,” he explained.

“The players deserve it. They deserve to hear people talking about their work because they have done very well.

“But our confidence hasn’t changed since we started training three months ago. If we win, lose or draw we still have confidence because every single match is separate. So we keep our confidence and try to improve every time.”

Flores continued: “The players’ motivation is perfect and that makes it easier for a manager. The players are motivated, are confident and feel they can win every single match.

“What is important for us is to advise the team. We have to tell them what they are doing is good but we have to take care of the little details that can decide a match.

“The last two wins are now in the past. We don’t think about them. We only think about going forward and giving a good impression of Watford.”

And Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace will give the Hornets the opportunity to do just that.

The Sky Sports cameras will broadcast live from Vicarage Road for the first time since the Hornets’ promotion to the top flight but Flores says that will play no part in his preparation. In fact, he won’t even think about it.

“We won’t concentrate on the TV audience,” he said. “That is the same for the players. We are not interested in the TV, we are only focused on the match.

“But if we produce a good performance and win then we will show everyone that Watford are a good team who prepare well. A win would be good for the future of Watford.”

Palace’s away form has been excellent since Alan Pardew joined the club in January. They have lost just three of their last 12 league matches away from Selhurst Park and Flores says the Hornets must be wary of the Eagles’ threat on the counter attack.

“They have achieved very good results away from home,” Flores said. “I know what kind of team we will play. Crystal Palace are very quick offensively and have players who are very clever at using space. They will come with a high spirit so if we want to win we will have to play very well.

“We always think about the opponent because every match is different in the Premier League. Crystal Palace will be very different to what we faced against Newcastle.

“We feel confident but we must respect Crystal Palace. The first XI that played against Newcastle are producing high performances but the players who are not in the first XI are ready to come into the team at an instant.”

That starting XI could include the likes of Adlene Guedioura, Steven Berghuis or Chelsea loanee Nathan Ake.

Flores has previously stated it will take new signings time to understand his tactical shape but the Spaniard says the trio are ready to start.

He said: “Everyone is improving. Players like Steven Berghuis, Nathan Ake and Guedioura are close to being ready for the starting XI. I think they are able to start if I choose.”

Unlike Palace, who were in midweek Capital One Cup action, Watford have had over a week to prepare for Sunday’s game.

However, Flores doesn’t believe that will make an impact. He said: “Teams, like Crystal Palace, can make many changes. They changed a lot of players [for their 4-1 win over Charlton Athletic] so they are very capable of playing well in two competitions.”

• Fewer than 100 season tickets of the 500 Watford put on sale on Monday afternoon remain available.  

The seats in the Sir Elton John Stand are available to supporters who’ve attended matches at Vicarage Road since 2012.

Watford are considering offering a limited number of season tickets in other stands in the coming weeks.