Sergej Jakirovic the straight talking Bosnian with an incredible 58% win ratio, 175 wins from 300 games, versus under pressure Paulo Pezzolano, Uruguayan with a 42% win record.

Will Paulo be singing “I‘m still standing” at 5pm on Saturday or will he feel that “Saturday nights alright for fighting?” We will soon see.

Face to face, out in the heat
We have met the Hornets 50 times, winning 18 and drawing 18.

Our most memorable and historic wins both coming in 2008, when we thrashed Watford 6v1 on aggregate to reach our first ever Wembley final. The rest is history.

Rising up to the Challenge of our Rivals
The Tigers have fought back from an EFL transfer embargo to assemble a squad of talent, depth and character. We now have leaders all over the pitch. It was great to see Oli McBurnies reaction to conceding a late goal versus Southampton, despite a superb performance and 3v1 victory last week.

Our Antagonists
Watford are 21st after 1 win in 6 with no wins or goals scored in September. Patience is not a virtue at Vicorage Road these days.

Their skipper, the unfortunately named Louza, returned after suspension last week.
Just a single goal cost them defeat at Millwall. They dominated possession but couldn’t score.

The Tigers
We lost Belloumi to a hamstring injury but Liam Millar is expected to return.

Kyle Joseph’s hard work is finally being rewarded with goals. Oli McBurnie is leading the line brilliantly, with great support from Ryan Giles, Lewie Coyle and Joe Gelhardt.
We finally look ferocious in attack.

Prediction
Given Watford’s style and desperation for points, we might see another counter attacking game from City.

Although I’d caution against giving the home side any signs of hope. An early goal for City could really increase the pressure on our opponents from the board and home support.

How I would line up:
Pandur
Coyle
Hughes
Egan
Giles
Hadziahmetovic
Lundstram
Ndala
McBurnie
Joseph
Gelhardt

Prediction: Watford 1v2 Tigers