Claudio Ranieri is preparing to make a number of changes to his starting XI for Watford's FA Cup third round tie against Leicester City tomorrow.

The head coach admitted that his priority was preserving his players ahead of a hugely significant week that will see the Hornets go up against Newcastle, Burnley and Norwich City one after another, in the space of six days.

Premier League survival is the Hornets' main goal this season and as a result, the FA Cup will be seen as little more than a chance for Ranieri to play some of his players who are yet to feature for him this season.

"My priority is to save the players and try to do a very good match, but after the Leicester match we have a week very very full," said the head coach.

"I’m sure there will be some players not used to playing, they will have an opportunity to show their quality to be part of the squad of Watford.

"I have to choose best solution to play good match against Leicester but also preserve some players."

One of those players who will be sidelined for the purposes of preservation is top scorer Emmanuel Dennis who Ranieri confirmed would be fit and available to face Newcastle next Saturday.

"Yes, I will preserve him," he said. "He received a kick against Tottenham and then he started to train all the week, he’s ready.

"I don’t want to risk him."

One player certain to be involved tomorrow is full back James Morris, who is yet to make a senior appearance since he was handed a one-year contract at the start of the season, following a successful trial.

The former Southampton man could be joined on the pitch by Kamil Conteh who was included alongside Morris on the bench for the game against West Ham on December 28, having only turned 19 two days before.

"Yes why not," said Ranieri when asked if Conteh and Morris would play a part. "Kamil is a very good young player and also Morris. Morris will play, sure and Kamil maybe."