Marco Silva believes Watford's club-record signing Andre Gray should have scored more goals this season as he prepares for his Turf Moor reunion.

Gray, the 26-year-old striker, spent two seasons at Burnley before joining the Hornets in an £18.5million move last summer.

Gray scored 25 times as Sean Dyche's side won promotion back to the Premier League before netting on 10 occasions last term.

But despite featuring in every league game for Watford this season, Gray heads into the Festive period with just two goals under his belt.

"Yes," Silva replied when asked if Gray should have netted more goals this season. "Of course when we are talking about the strikers, him, Troy Deeney or Stefan Okaka, we think our strikers will score as many goals as possible.

"For him it is important to score, and strikers will take more confidence if they do that.

"In some moments he is performing well. He has scored two goals in the Premier League and he wants more. We want more as well and it is work we need to do together.

"He was happy at Burnley and he performed well and scored important goals. But now he is here with us and I talk with him and it is important for him not to lose his confidence and find the solutions to score."

Gray was dropped to the bench for Watford's 1-1 draw against Tottenham last weekend as captain Deeney made his first start for the club after serving a three-game suspension.

Gray will be desperate to lead the line for the Hornets against his former club, but Silva admitted he faces a straight shoot-out with Deeney for a spot in his line-up.

Asked whether he would be tempted to start Gray against his old side, Silva replied: "Normally, I don't take my decisions because of this. Last week we played against Tottenham and Etienne Capoue did not start the match.

"This time we have two options: Andre or Troy, and I will take the decision."

Silva, whose Watford side are one spot below seventh-placed Burnley, added: "I never see Andre under a lot of pressure. He came here to have competition.

"Many things are different for him here. Burnley play in a different way with two strikers most of the time. He has a profile to play a different way and we are working for him to play in our philosophy. He is working hard and that is the most important thing for me."