Wolves fans planning show of support for Jimenez after Deeney’s ‘loser’ jibe

JAVI GRACIA will tell Watford to forget the masks and focus on their shootout for seventh place at Vicarage Road.

Some Wolves fans are threatening to turn up for the FA Cup semi-final rematch in wrestling masks as a show of support for striker Raul Jimenez – and a statement of contempt for Hornets skipper Troy Deeney.

After the Wembley thriller earlier this month, where Jimenez’s premeditated celebration with a piece of cultural headgear proved premature, Deeney branded the £30million Mexican “a loser”.

In the same TV interview, Watford’s talisman also praised Jimenez as a “top, top player”.

But in the land of old gold, there is little appetite for a Wembley encore when there are grudges to be held and a needle match to invoke – even though Deeney is suspended and will sit this one out.

Watford have been walking out to former chairman Sir Elton John’s music of late and Gracia (above) wants Wolves’ masked invaders to discover that Zorro seems to be the hardest word.

The Hornets’ head coach has warned his players to play the match, not the facial accessories, in a game likely to decide who qualifies for the Europa League.

He said: “Wolves will be motivated, but we are as well. We have two chances to achieve Europe, but at the moment the league is our target.

“When the league finishes, we have time to prepare for the FA Cup Final, but all of us want to win this game to help us reach the best possible position, so I don’t need any extra motivation.”

Gracia enjoys pitting his wits against Nuno Espirito Santo and Watford’s two wins against Wolves this season have put him 3-2 up in their head-to-head record. He added: “I knew him before coming to England because he worked in Spain at Valencia. It is not a surprise to me what he is doing at Wolves.

“I’ve watched the semi-final again many times, but for us this game will be different because Troy is suspended.

“I would have preferred it if he was available, but I don’t like to speak about players I don’t have. I have a very good squad.”

Defender Jose Holebas (hamstring) and midfielder Tom Cleverley (calf) return after injury, along with Adalberto Penaranda.