Dyche's league plea

Watford captain Sean Dyche today called on his team-mates to reproduce their Carling Cup form as they return back to earth in the league tomorrow.

Although they face a lucrative two-legged semi-final against Liverpool, Watford remain mid-table in the Championship following a glut of draws in recent months.

"The league is still our bread and butter," said Dyche. "We have had a lot of draws and have been only a scratch away from turning them into wins.

"We are not a million miles away, although that's not to say we are promotion candidates yet. We need to forget about the cup and get back on the fringes of the pack."

Meanwhile, manager Ray Lewington is concerned about tired limbs among his players ahead of tomorrow's home game against Stoke.

He said: "We've had a heavy schedule over the last few weeks. I should do something to freshen the team up rather than put out the same line-up.

"I'll see how the players look in training and whether they appear lethargic. It's important we refocus."

Neil Cox (back) and Brynjar Gunnarsson (thigh) are rated very doubtful.