WATFORD face three key fixtures in the shape of the emerging challenges from Preston, Burnley and Bolton, need to get back on the winning track if they are to maintain what Graham Taylor describes as "the fat round our position".

They are boosted by the news that Micah Hyde returned to full training on Monday and it is a matter of how he progresses during the week which will determine whether he returns to the side for Saturday's visit from Preston.

Changes, while not wholesale, are likely after the lacklustre display against Tranmere Rovers when Watford only started to play when two goals down and Nordin Wooter came on.

While Wooter has normally doubled up with Smith, they both played for the last half hour and Watford had some invention and flair. The return of Hyde could give the Hornets a much-needed shot in the arm although the fact the heavy two-game-per-week schedule has come to an end, may enable the Hornets to recharge flagging batteries.

On Saturday, too many looked as jaded as they did against Sheffield Wednesday.