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This is new territory for Bristol City under boss Gerhard Struber.

A promising start to the season threatened to go off the rails before a run of three successive wins, but back-to-back defeats and an injury list almost as long as mine for Father Christmas is a cause for concern.

However, Robins' joint-top scorer Anis Mehmeti says they cannot feel sorry for themselves.

"We need to show character now because that's back-to-back losses - we started the season so well and we need players to step up, whether that's defenders, midfielders, attackers to go and produce," he told BBC Radio Bristol.

"I'd say our energy has been flat, in all aspects, our pressing, our counter-pressing, our ball moments, our final-third entry play.

"It's nowhere near good enough for a team like us, we've got real quality but we need players to step up, it's all good saying it in the changing room but we've got the responsibility to put it right on Friday."

A third game in six days looks far from ideal for a battered and bruised side but with another international break to come after tonight maybe they have enough in the tank for one big effort?

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There are many values needed for the role of captaincy but unless you can back it up with actions they are all rather worthless.

Enter Watford skipper Imran Louza whose four goals in successive games have helped to push the Hornets within reach of the play-off spots.

For the record it's the best run of scoring from a Watford player since Troy Deeney scored in six matches in a row back in 2015.

"I feel very confident - I have come a long with my injuries and to help the team is the best for me," Louza recently told BBC Three Counties radio.

The Moroccan will be one player Bristol City will have to track tonight if they're to come away from Vicarage Road with anything.

There's plenty at stake for these two sides tonight.

They can either force themselves well and truly into contention before the international break or give the chasing pack a chance to take advantage.

So, do Watford and Bristol City fans believe they have what it takes to challenge for promotion or is mid-table the best they can hope for?

Use the lovely shiny 'Get Involved' button at the top of the page to give us your views.

Sitting in seventh place and with a chance to go fourth tonight, there isn't obviously anything seriously wrong with Bristol City.

Only they are suffering a wobble and, for the first time this season, have lost back-to-back league games.

Mind you, before the past two setbacks, the Robins had won three in a row - swings and roundabouts?

"We have to be very close together on Friday and do the best we possibly can," boss Gerhard Struber told BBC Radio Bristol.

"It would be a top performance from this group of players if we win again because it will be four wins in six games but we have to do it.

"We know Watford are a good team and they have good momentum at the moment so we have to be on a really good level to pick up points."

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Just like death and taxes you can always be certain of a Watford managerial change and the latest one appears to be paying dividends.

Javi Gracia's return to replace the perhaps slightly unfortunate Paulo Pezzolano in early October was a popular move by the often unpopular Hornets owners.

Watford had taken seven points from a possible nine just before the change of head coach, they've managed the same number from 15 since.

But Vicarage Road is proving to be a tough nut to crack for visiting sides - only Coventry and Preston (17) have taken more than the Hertfordshire side's 16 points at home so far this season.

It's a quick turnaround from a draw at Ipswich on Tuesday to tonight's game but Gracia isn't complaining.

"I don't mind if we play at night, the middle of the day, the evening or the morning - I am only focused on the game and doing a good job," he told BBC Three Counties Radio.

With his side going for a fifth successive home win he'd probably play at 0300 if he was asked.

Watford make six changes to the side which started Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Ipswich.

Kwadwo Baah, James Abankwah, Jeremy Ngakia, Tom Ince and Vivaldo Semedo are on the bench but Hector Kyprianou is out with an ankle injury.

Into the team come Nestory Irankunda, Max Alleyne, Kevin Keben, Jeremy Petris, Edo Kayembe and Luca Kjerrumgaard.

Neto Borges is out injured for Bristol City while Emil Riis is among the substitutes.

Fally Mayulu and Sinclair Armstrong are included in an attack-minded looking side.

Bristol City's injury issues are also highlighted by having two goalkeepers on the bench!

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Bristol City could push themselves as high as fourth place with a win at Vicarage Road tonight.

For Watford there is a chance to move within one point of the play-off spots ahead of the weekend games.

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Not even 48 hours after the midweek Championship excitement finished, we are back at it again as the weekend chaos kicks off with an intriguing looking game.

Watford are going for a fifth successive home win while Bristol City are looking to avoid a third straight league defeat.

Both of these sides are also well in contention for the play-off places.

There's lots to talk about so come on in...