Quique Sanchez Flores confident Watford will match 'amazing' Chelsea
Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores is in no doubt of what an "amazing" side Chelsea are, but warned his side are ready to match them again at Vicarage Road on Wednesday night.
Chelsea have slowly returned to consistent form under the guidance of interim boss Guus Hiddink, coasting into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a 5-1 win at MK Dons on Sunday which followed up a 1-0 away win over Barclays Premier League title chasers Arsenal.
The Hornets earned a creditable 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day, Hiddink's first game of his second stint in the role after he was brought in to replace Jose Mourinho until the end of the season.
While Flores accepts the challenge which will face his team to go one better than that result again in front of their own fans is a tough one, it will be met head on.
"I always think Chelsea are an amazing team. They have very good players, an amazing squad and a lot of possibilities to change players if they think something isn't good during the match, they can change for different variations," Flores said at a press conference.
"It's very difficult to play against Chelsea; they have amazing power in terms of physicality, but we played against this team a month-and-a-half ago and we had the opportunity to win before finally we drew.
"Our expectation is very high; to be competitive and to play well, to make a balance with Chelsea.
"Of course, we are really positive we can do something good."
Flores continued: "We know they have the possibility to improve a lot because they've got Willian, (Diego) Costa, (Eden) Hazard, Oscar, (Nemanja) Matic, (John Obi) Mikel and (Cesc) Fabregas.
"They have amazing players, and with their reaction, of course they have the possibility to achieve amazing targets.
"But our work at the moment is to be confident, try to make life very difficult for Chelsea on the pitch, this is our work.
"We have our tools, we have our idea and our plan."
Flores confirmed new signing Mario Suarez could be involved in the squad, but on-loan Chelsea full-back Nathan Ake is not eligible to face his parent club.
Watford also brought in Abdoulaye Doucoure and Adalberto Penaranda on permanent deals ahead of the transfer deadline, but both players have been loaned out to La Liga club Granada to continue their development ahead of a return to compete for a first-team place next season.
Meanwhile, Chelsea interim boss Guus Hiddink expects John Terry to be fully committed to the cause, irrespective of whether or not a contract offer is forthcoming from the Barclays Premier League champions.
The Chelsea skipper on Sunday night revealed he would be leaving Stamford Bridge after the club opted not to renew his contract.
Terry said the incoming manager may be able to reverse the decision, while Chelsea suggested a contract offer could be forthcoming and "the channels of dialogue (remained) open" - something Hiddink repeated on Tuesday.
"It was a bit surprising, but he's completely entitled to do so when his contract is expiring," said Hiddink, speaking ahead of Wednesday's Premier League clash.
"I like him very much, the way he is playing and committed to the team - and he will be, I can assure you of that.
"I had some conversations with him in the past days about all kinds of things in football.
"Regardless the situation of the club and he is in now, he will be not just be professional, but with all his heart as well."
Terry, who says he intends to leave the Premier League, is already free to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club and may do so before a permanent successor to Jose Mourinho is appointed.
Hiddink says Terry, who turned 35 last December and has made 696 appearances for the Blues, is still capable of performing at the top level.
The Dutchman added: "He's very fit. He's not what you would normally see a 35-year-old, 36-year-old player, that you feel that you get a little bit slower, you cannot accept that you're getting into a danger zone for red cards.
"None of that for John. He's fit and he's performing as he's doing while I'm here and he will do. I'm convinced.
"The door is not shut. Dialogue is always possible. There was no specific decision made yet. It's early.
"We have to see in the progress reports and what's coming up in the transition of the management."
Willian is expected to overcome a bruised foot to feature but Alexandre Pato and Matt Miazga are not likely to be included for another week or so after signing last week.
Source: PAR
