One theme that has been apparent in the most recent Watford games has been how many of their goal attempts are blocked.

In the last four matches, Watford have managed 14 efforts on target, but have seen a further 24 cut out before they could threaten the goal.

If opposition keepers aren’t being forced to make a lot of saves, chances of scoring are reduced.

“Yes, and that’s because of that extra touch we’re having in the final third,” said Valerien Ismael.

“We want to be too sure in everything we do – shooting, crossing, passing, we want an extra touch to feel sure.

“When you do that you don’t have the time to get a clean strike as you are letting the opponent close you down.

“At half-time on Wednesday we said to the players we needed to get back to our strengths of energy, shooting on target, make the opponent defend.”

Because the game was on Wednesday, the Hornets have had limited training time since.

“It’s difficult because we couldn’t train a lot with the players between Wednesday and tomorrow, but in the changing room and meetings we have discussions,” said the Watford boss.

“The energy was back in the second half on Wednesday and that is something we need to build on.

“It is a reminder to the players that when we got back into our shape and played to our principles we know it looks really good.

“We need that same energy and desire. As soon as we scored the relief was there, and then we were pushing for the second goal.

“Tomorrow we need to put that same energy and desire from the second half into the game.”

What have those conversations and discussions with the players revealed?

“Between us we have identified the problem, and you can be sure that is what we are working hard on,” said Ismael.

“We try everything in every game, and that will continue because it is our job to win games.

“What we are experiencing now is not what we expected, but it’s a challenge.

“In this situation we must stick together and put the same energy in the whole game as we did in the second half on Wednesday.”

Having conceded the first goal in three of the last four league games at home, Watford need to be much better from the off.

“It’s always important to have a positive start. When you have a gameplan you always want to start well,” said Ismael.

“You never want to start like we did, but we have a chance to do the right things tomorrow.

“Even when the situation is tough you always have the chance in the next game to do it right.”