Xisco Munoz has told his Watford players to show that they belong in his first XI tomorrow night, if they get their chance against Crystal Palce in the Carabao Cup.

While the competition is not likely to be high up on the Hornets' list of priorities this season, the head coach believes he has a good opportunity to see what his players can do against a Premier League opponent. 

A win and a defeat in the league in the opening two matches of the campaign have shown that there are still chances for players currently not in the starting XI to push for a place in the team.

The boss has told his squad they need to prove to him why they should be in his thoughts when picking his side for the away match at Tottenham Hotspur this Sunday.

"We are in the process and we need to quickly learn about all the situations," said Munoz. 

"We are working on this and now is the moment for all the players in the squad to give their best in the situation.

"Now is the moment for the players to show me who is better starting in the first 11. This is a good thing. I think we have time for everyone - some players will play right now, some next week, some in two weeks, but it's the moment for them to come inside the first 11 and give solid things.

"Now is the moment to show everyone, 'I'm here, I want to play, put me in for the next game at Tottenham'."

While other head coaches might prefer to avoid the Carabao Cup at this stage in the season, Munoz said he respected the competition and that he was expecting a big performance.

"I have big respect for all the games," he said.

"The Carabao Cup is important for us and it's important to understand that the players who play tomorrow, if it's the same players [as Saturday] or we put out new players, it's important for them to understand that who plays gives all their best and shows they should be in the first 11."