Le Bris wary of threat of 'dangerous' Watford

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris is wary of the threat of Saturday's visitors Watford and hopes the Hornets do not "wake up" at the Stadium of Light.

Watford boss Tom Cleverley has come under mounting pressure as his side have lost seven of their nine games in all competitions since 29 December, including the past three in a row.

The Hornets have slipped out of the top six and are 12th before Saturday's 12:30 GMT kick-off against a Black Cats side in fourth but seeking to go level on points with second-placed Burnley by winning their game in hand.

Le Bris told BBC Radio Newcastle: "It's really dangerous because we know they have good potential but we don't know when they will wake up.

"If it's at the Stadium of Light it's a shame for us. We have to focus on our game, how we want to play, with our good qualities, our strengths and we have to avoid mistakes.

"It's a different style of team with good players for sure. Sometimes as a team you struggle and you don't know why. Suddenly like that you can find a new rhythm because the events of a game can reconnect you."

Le Bris reported that Alan Browne is available after injury, while Romaine Mundle and Tommy Watson could be back before the end of the month.

Jayden Danns (right) will have to wait for his Sunderland debut

In his pre-match press conference, Le Bris also reacted to the transfer window, saying the club managed to stave off interest in some of their big names and revealing an "underlying issue" which showed up during Jayden Danns' medical and might keep the Liverpool loanee out for a couple of weeks.

He said: "Five players left - it was an important move for them to find game time and play.

"When we have very good players, some interest can be around, but we kept them with us. They trust us and we trust them. The confidence is really shared."

He also said the Black Cats were trying to find a new club for Jewison Bennette after his deadline day move to Charlton fell through, adding: "There are some markets still open, we'll see if it's possible to find another club."

One departure which Le Bris admitted was "not ideal" was assistant Mike Dodds leaving to take over at Wycombe.

"It was a tough decision for him, we've enjoyed the connection," Le Bris said. "He wanted to be a head coach and we respect that. Our staff is in a good place. We'll see about a new assistant, we'll probably decide in the next seven to 10 days on the setup.

"It's not ideal [at this stage of the season] but professional life is not like that."