Quique Sanchez Flores is gearing up for a tough physical battle when his side faces Burnley on Saturday, as he looks to back up his first Premier League win with his first at home since returning to the head coach position.

The Hornets boss described the Lancashire team as a “good example” and said they are an “uncomfortable opponent” to deal with.

However, he said his side is buoyed with “positive energy” following their win over Norwich City before the international break and wants to utilise the increase in morale to find another win.

“This is a really good team,” he said of this week’s opposition.

“The kind of teams that is a good example for all of us because they have been working together for a long time, they have their philosophy, simple but really tough, really good and it’s a really uncomfortable opponent. We know because they’re strong, they like contact. Their two strikers are very strong and very dangerous from crosses and they are defending like a team really well.

“What’s very important right now is we want to change the dynamic, to use well the morale we got against Norwich and the positive energy we got against Norwich, so this is what we have to do and will try to transmit.”

Providing Sanchez Flores with a boost is the return of Troy Deeney, who could be in line for his first start since August following a knee operation.

The head coach said he is looking forward to having his captain available once again as the club’s injury pileup begins to ease somewhat, although Roberto Pereyra, Tom Cleverley, Domingos Quina and Sebastian Prodl all remain sidelined alongside Danny Welbeck, while Christian Kabasele is out through suspension.

“He looks really well in training, so he’s ready,” said Sanchez Flores on Deeney.

“He feels much better, little by little, he’s progressing, he’s ready, he wants to play of course, he’s wishing to go to the pitch and it’s always for us good news to take him for the game.

“He’s always a good understanding player, he understands perfectly what we need, what we feel, what is the necessity of the club, what is the necessity of the team, how he can transmit to the players the importance of every single match - the personal effect of Deeney is very very necessary for us.”

Another player who may feature this weekend is Ismaila Sarr who has recovered from a knock collected during the international break while playing with Senegal.

Sanchez Flores said the injury list would mean there are new opportunities for other players and with Pereyra out, the Hornets’ record signing could slot in in his place.

“Pereyra was playing really well with us and it’s a pity he’s not here for this match,” said the head coach.

“But you know how I can see these opportunities, it’s an opportunity for another player.

“He’s [Sarr] okay, he’s training with us the last two or three days, so no problem.”

A win against Burnley would be a clear sign of progress, but Sanchez Flores said there is already enough to suggest his side are on the right track already.

He reiterated his earlier calls for patience, but said things are starting to emerge that Watford fans can once again feel good about.

“It’s a long process, but little by little you can enjoy the little things that are changing,” he said.

“I want to go for positive feelings, it’s what we want.”