Premier League managers tend to have certain qualities in common and a undying self-belief is often near the top of the list.

Watford’s Javi Gracia is no different and has had to lean on such inner strength during Watford’s first real blip of the season, which has seen them fail to win any of their last five games.

Defeat against Bournemouth last time out was particularly damaging as the Hornets were dismantled 4-0 at home.

Despite the drop in form Gracia, who says he is always in a process of self-evaluation, insists he retains confidence in the philosophy which allowed him to steer Watford to four straight Premier League wins at the start of the season.

“I have a lot of confidence in myself and am also very critical of myself and very demanding. I try every day to analyse,” the Watford head coach said.

“I have a lot of doubts every day, but asking yourself questions is the best way to improve. When I take a decision I am confident I am right.

“I can feel we are in the right way because I am with my players and I can see how they are and that is important to me.”

Watford face a tough task to take three points from their trip to Molineux as they come up against a Wolves side on a run of six top-flight games without defeat.

They have been resolute in defence - conceding only six league goals all season - and sit two points and two positions above ninth-placed Watford ahead of kick-off.

Gracia has been impressed with the ease with which Wolves have taken to the Premier League after gaining promotion last season.

He expects a tight game against a side which is clear in its approach to the game.

He said: “They are playing really well and they don’t concede many goals. They have found a good balance in defence and attack.

“I think they are doing well with their shape of a back three, two wing backs, two midfielders and three at the front. It is a well organised team and the game will be demanding.

“They have lost only one game, 2-0 against Leicester, and that was with an own-goal and a deflection. It will be a difficult game and we know we are going to have to be at our best.”

Watford will hope to benefit from a two weeks away from action which came with the international break.

A number of players have been away with their national sides but Gracia says his squad is in good shape ahead of the trip to the West Midlands.

“All the players who have been away with their national sides have come back in good condition and that is important for us,” he said.

“The rest of the team have been training with me for the past two weeks and have been training well.

“We know it is an important game for us and we have all had time to rest and be at a good level.”

Gracia has stuck to a 4-4-2 formation during all of Watford’s Premier League games but revealed he may change tact against Wolves.

He remained non-committal when asked who would replace the suspended Christian Kabasele and Jose Holebas, but says the fit-again Sebastian Prodl and Miguel Britos are in the shake-up alongside Adrian Mariappa.

Victory over Wolves would see Watford leapfrog their hosts and move level on points with Bournemouth depending how the Cherries get on against Southampton.

Defeat, meanwhile, could see Watford drop into the bottom half of the Premier League table for the first time this season.