The chance to get the better of former Watford boss Marco Silva will not work as motivation for the Hornets squad, says Marco Silva.

Monday’s trip to Goodision Park represents the first time the Hornets have come face to face with their former boss since Watford filed a complaint that Everton had tapped up their Silva.

While supporters have earmarked the game as the first in fledgling rivalry between the two sides, Gracia says his side will approach it like any other match.

Many of Gracia’s squad played under Silva, but the head coach says his players’ focus is the same every match regardless of opposition.

Gracia said: “The players have motivation like all the games we have playing in and they do not need special motivation against Everton.

“The know the will do their best playing against Everton or any team. It doesn’t depend on the coach they are facing. I do not listen to anything about the last coach.”

Watford’s need for victory on Merseyside is clear after a run of five games without a win – a run which has seen them slip to 11th in the table.

Gracia is, therefore, more interested in the reward of three points rather than the chance to get the better of his predecessor.