Javi Gracia believes Watford’s FA Cup tie at Queens Park Rangers will be a very demanding tie and insists his side will have to treat it like a final.

The Hornets are one win away from the quarter-finals of the competition but Gracia is only focused on the challenge ahead against the Championship side at Loftus Road on Friday.

The Watford head coach said: “I think QPR are playing well. It’s true in the last few games they didn’t get good results but in many games they’ve been very close to getting them.

“Against Bristol City on Tuesday they conceded the second goal from a penalty at the end. In the game before after losing 4-0 against Birmingham they were able to score three goals and missed a penalty in the last minute.

“They always compete very well and in the FA Cup they beat Portsmouth. I know it will be a very demanding game for us.”

The Spaniard is refusing to look further ahead to a potential trip to Wembley and insists his players cannot afford to be distracted from Friday’s tie.

Gracia said: “I think to be in a good position in the Premier League is good for our confidence but we know this is a different competition and we have to be in this moment ready for a final because if you lose you don’t have another chance to play in the FA Cup this season.

“I think the moment we are living in the Premier League is good for all the squad but we know it will be a different game this weekend.”