NUNO IS PLOTTING A DREAM PROJECT AT WOLVES
JAVI GRACIA has distanced himself from Watford’s record as the Premier League’s dirtiest team. Christian Kabasele’s red card against Bournemouth was the Hornets’ 15th since the start of 2015-16 – more than any top-flight club. But Watford’s head coach insists he does not have a dirty team, saying: “I don’t know what happened before in the last three years, but what I can say is that we need to improve on our last game. “I’m not going to be critical of referees or certain players, but this was the first red card since I came here and we try to avoid them. “It’s not possible to play against very good teams in the Premier League with only 10 men.” Gracia’s side won their first four games in a row, but they head for Molineux with only one point from their past four, culminating in a 4-0 thrashing by Bournemouth. Gracia added: “We got a very bad result in our last match but it’s one game. I expect the best of my players and we need to show all our desire and ambition again.” Gracia has never stayed put for longer than the two years he was at Malaga, but is in talks with the Hornets about extending his 18-month contract, which ends in June. “I’d like to be here longer because I’m very settled,” he said. “I see my long-term future at Watford and I can fulfil my ambitions at this club. I feel the love here” Winger Gerard Deulofeu could make his first start this season after injuries while Adrian Mariappa and Adam Masina are likely to deputise for the suspended Kabasele and Jose Holebas.