Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores has - to nobody's real surprise - cut a calm and confident figure ahead of Chelsea's visit to Vicarage Road on Wednesday night, suggesting his Hornets will be more than a match for Guus Hiddink's side.
After a busy January transfer window - in which the Hornets signed Abdoulaye Doucare from Rennes and exciting teenage prospect Adalberto Peñaranda on Deadline Day, to follow up on deals for ex-Sunderland goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon, Nordin Ambrabat from Malaga, and Mario Suarez from Fiorentina in the Serie A - Watford are once again ready to get back to the football.
In recent weeks, this has also been the case, after stopping a run of four Premier Legue defeats in a row, with a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United. This was followed by a 1-0 away win at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, and now Flores believes Watford might have the tools to cause another unlikely upset against Chelsea.
Beware the wounded animal
Chelsea, however, are coming into this game full of confidence: something that has been short around the London club's camp this season. Getting another one over on rivals Arsenal two weeks ago - a Diego Costa goal inspiring a 1-0 win - showed how competitive Hiddink's team are despite their recent travails, and they comprehensively dispatched MK Dons 5-1 in the FA Cup fourth round this weekend.
Speaking to the official club website, Flores admitted that he knew full well that Chelsea are an "amazing" side with "very good players" and "an amazing squad", crediting their ability to "change for different variations" - in otherwards adapting to what is in front of them. The Spaniard also noted Chelsea's "amazing physicality" but rightly pointed out that his side kept with the London club when the two sides met on Boxing Day, ultimately drawing 2-2 at Stamford Bridge.
Energy restored
As always, Flores knows his players' expectations are "very high" and that all times Watford aim to be "competitive" and to "play well". The Hornets boss pointed out that Chelsea's bredth of talent gives them the ability to reach "amazing targets", but suggested that his team would try to "make a balance" with Hiddink's side on Wednesday evening. Watford's confidence, Flores suggested, might make life "very difficult" for Chelsea, and ultimately, the Spaniard insisted, the Hornets have their "tools" and their "plan".
Flores went on to point out that Watford had, despite their high spirits and confidence, admittedly been "a little bit tired" during December and the tough schedule associated with English football. However, he asserted that his team had made it through this "tough period" and would now come out fighting for the remainder of the season.
With a newfound confidence for both sides, Wednesday night's tie promises to be a lively affair.
