Vata free of virus in time for Leeds clash

Taking on Championship leaders Leeds United is a tough enough assignment without a number of key players being absent.

But there is some good news for Watford boss Tom Cleverley ahead of tonight's game with young forward Rocco Vata now recovered from a virus - and he is also hopeful that Yasser Larouci and Angelo Ogbonna will shake off illness in time to be considered for selection.

The Hornets ended a three-game losing run with Saturday's draw at Sunderland, but face a Leeds side unbeaten in 13 league games, and who have won four of their past five.

Cleverley was delighted with Watford's display for the first 80 minutes on Wearside and believes his team will rise to the occasion against Daniel Farke's Whites.

"We can take heart from that performance, and belief, and the better teams do generally bring out our best stuff," he said.

"I feel like the players are really galvanising around me and around each other. The more things that seem to go against us, the better and more resilient we get.

"Can we see the 80 minutes (against Sunderland) for 95 minutes (against Leeds)? That's what it will take to get a result."

Forward Vakoun Bayo is again absent because of his three-match ban and transfer-window signing Caleb Wiley is still working on his fitness before being considered for a place in the squad.