Taking on Championship leaders Leeds United is a tough enough assignment without a number of key players being absent.
But there is some good news for Watford boss Tom Cleverley ahead of tonight's game with young forward Rocco Vata now recovered from a virus - and he is also hopeful that Yasser Larouci and Angelo Ogbonna will shake off illness in time to be considered for selection.
The Hornets ended a three-game losing run with Saturday's draw at Sunderland, but face a Leeds side unbeaten in 13 league games, and who have won four of their past five.