Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores admits Hornets are flagging
Quique Sanchez Flores believes Watford's tough run of fixtures over the festive period has taken its toll on his squad.
The Hornets, who faced Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City in just eight days over Christmas and the New Year, have lost their last four matches in the Barclays Premier League.
And ahead of his side's clash against Newcastle at Vicarage Road, Flores admits fatigue is playing a factor in their slump in form.
"We are a little bit tired," said Flores, who gained his first experience of English football's frenetic Christmas schedule after arriving from Getafe in the summer.
"December was very tough for us. Not because we had to play every three days, but because we had to play against amazing teams - Chelsea, Tottenham and City - and it was very difficult for us. We did not change the players so we kept the same first XI.
"When we don't win sometimes the tiredness is in the brain and the head is a little bit more heavy, but it is not a problem as we have a lot of reasons to be positive.
"I tell the players, 'Boys, no problem, we are in the same position as Everton, Liverpool and Southampton in the league and it is not a drama'. For Watford it is an amazing pleasure to share this position with these teams."
Watford's new B#6million signing Nordin Amrabat could make his debut against the Magpies after arriving from Malaga on a three-and-a-half-year deal.
Flores said: "He is an amazing boy and he has been working very hard over the past two days. He wants to play as quickly as possible, but it is necessary he understands how we want to play and move on the pitch."
Goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon arrived at Watford from Sunderland on Tuesday and both he and Amrabat are set to be in the squad. Defenders Tommie Hoban (groin) and Joel Ekstrand (knee) remain unavailable.
Newcastle boss Steve McClaren will have little choice but to send out a makeshift defence with only four senior match-fit defenders to choose from - Daryl Janmaat, Chancel Mbemba, Fabricio Coloccini and Jamaal Lascelles.
The loss of Paul Dummett and Jack Colback, the man who filled in at left-back when the former was forced to leave the pitch against West Ham, to hamstring injuries has compounded a casualty list which already included Massadio Haidara, Kevin Mbabu and Mike Williamson.
McClaren said: "Kevin Mbabu is out, Dummett has a tight hamstring, Colback deputised at left-back - he has a little niggle which we will not take a risk on. We have four fit defenders.
"Steven Taylor will be in the squad and probably on the bench. In terms of balance, it is very difficult, but we will find a solution somewhere and players will have to step in and do a job."
Taylor's inclusion comes after a five-month injury lay-off which has left him desperately short of match fitness, and McClaren will be keeping his fingers crossed that there are no further mishaps against the Hornets.
McClaren added on Watford: "They are at home and have beaten us twice, they will be confident. We have a determination to turn that around. Watford are dangerous opponents, but it is about what we do."
Source: PAR
