Assistant Head Coach Richie Kyle anticipates a competitive Carabao Cup second-round tie with MK Dons on Tuesday night (7.45pm KO), and expects players entering the matchday squad to step up to the mark at Vicarage Road.

Praising the attitude shown in training ahead of the cup fixture, there is a desire from Kyle to treat the game with the same importance as the five Sky Bet Championship matches that have taken place so far this season, which have seen the Hornets go unbeaten and pick up nine points.

“They’re in good spirits,” Kyle began. “They look sharp and it was a really good session today [Monday]. They’re looking forward to the game.

“We’ve got to treat every game the same, it’s just as important as a league game as far as I’m concerned and you’ve got to make sure your preparation is right. A lot of work has gone into this particular fixture, and we’ve got to make sure the lads know their roles and responsibilities.

“Some people need a bit of a rest, it’s been a full-on start to the season, but also it’s an opportunity for some players as well. Competition for places is good, we’re really comfortable to bring in whoever comes in and we trust them to do a job.

“I think it’s important that everyone feels a part of it, that’s a big thing. We want a good group that all think they add value to the squad, and we trust whoever it is to come in and do well.”

A return to home comforts following back-to-back away games excites the 38-year-old, who highlighted the efforts of the supporters at Preston North End, Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion.

Kyle, Head Coach Rob Edwards and the rest of the coaching staff have studied their opposition in depth, and understand the threat posed by Liam Manning’s side. Continuing that unbeaten start is part of Kyle and Watford’s focus going into the tie, also.

“I don’t know Liam personally but you can see they’ve got a style and identity to what they do,” Kyle continued. “We’ve watched their last few games and I was impressed with how they play. You can see they’re a well-coached team and they have good players.

“It’ll be a tough test for us. They’re coming to our place, a Championship club - it’s an opportunity to impress and take them away from their league. All-in-all it’s set to be a great game.

“The fans have been great. I was saying it to Rob, especially in those away games, they’re big journeys and the recent one at Preston, I know the journey being from up north!

“We really appreciate the support they give us. They were incredible at West Brom, Birmingham and Preston, and we’re really looking forward to coming home now and hopefully we can get a decent crowd, and really build on the momentum they’ve given us.”

Joseph Hungbo has also felt the love from the Watford faithful, despite never playing in front of a full crowd at The Vic.

Growing as a player and a person out on-loan at Ross County in Scotland last term, the winger is going into the next game with confidence after a packed pre-season.

“I can’t wait!” Hungbo smiled. “It doesn’t feel like I haven’t [played in front of a full crowd] because I’ve felt like the fans have had my back since day one, but it’s definitely going to be nice to be out there in front of the fans.

“My mindset is to enjoy it. You’ve got to play freely - that’s how you get the best out of anyone so that’s my mentality going into it - enjoy the atmosphere at The Vic and see where it takes me.

“It’s been tough, training day in day out with great players, and I feel like every day I’m getting better and learning, so hopefully I can take that into tomorrow and the season.”

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