Javi out to ditch dirt and clean up

JAVI GRACIA has distanced himself from Watford’s red-card record as the Premier League’s dirtiest team in the last three years.

The sending-off of Christian Kabasele (above) against Bournemouth was the Hornets’ 15th dismissal since the start of 2015-16 – more than any top-flight club – but their first on Gracia’s watch, and the first since December last year.

Head coach Gracia (below) 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 am 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 is not possible to play against very good teams in the Premier League with only 10 men.”

Gracia’s side won their first four games on the bounce, but head to Molineux with only one point to show from their last four, culminating in a 4-0 home thrashing by Bournemouth.

The 48-year-old Spaniard is not worried by the slump but warned: “We got a very bad result in our last match, but it’s only one game. I expect the best of my players and we need to show all our desire and ambition again.”

Gracia is keen to extend his 18-month contract, which expires in June. He said: “I see my long-term future here. I feel the love, we are talking and the discussion is going well.”

Injury-plagued winger

Gerard Deulofeu could start his first game this season, while Adrian

Mariappa and Adam

Masina are likely to deputise for the suspended

Kabasele and Jose

Holebas.