Javi Gracia is expecting a tough start to the Premier League tomorrow when Watford face Brighton and Hove Albion in the first game of the season.

The Hornets' boss is wary of the Seagulls' new manager Graham Potter and thinks he will bring an attacking side to Vicarage Road.

"I saw his team when Ken Sema played with him and after in Swansea as well," he said. 

"I think in this pre-season he has changed many things of his style.

"Playing sometimes with different shapes, with other mentality, more offensive than before and it will be a tough game for us to start."

Watford kicked off last season with a home victory against Brighton, who then were managed by Chris Hughton. 

However, Gracia thinks it will be a much different opponenet this time around.

"First of all, I think the coach they had last season in my opinion was very good as well," he said.

"Now they have another one and I think he changed something there – the shape, playing sometimes with three at the back against Valencia for example, or playing with 4-2-3-1.

"We have to be ready. I think we are ready to compete against these different shapes and we’ll try to get the best result in this first game."

More than anything, Gracia is pleased to be starting the new season at home in front of the Watford supporters.

The head coach said starting this Premier League campaign at Vicarage Road was the best news he could have hoped for.

"It’s the best thing I saw when I knew the schedule," he said.

"The first game we’re playing at home, that was the best thing for me. I like to play home and to start the new season at home and we hope our supporters enjoy this game."