Watford boss Javi Gracia believes Burnley will still play with the same intensity despite their Europa League exploits in mid-week and says his team have been working on defending set pieces ahead of this afternoon’s game.

Today’s match will be the Clarets’ third in seven days and they were taken to extra-time on Thursday against Istanbul Basaksehir, a match they won 1-0 thanks to Jack Cork’s 97th minute strike.

Under the stewardship of former Hornets boss Sean Dyche, Burnley were one of the surprise packages in the Premier League last season, qualifying for the Europa League after securing a seventh place finish.

The Clarets are well known for being difficult to play in their own back yard and Gracia is expecting a tough test when the Golden Boys kick-off at Turf Moor at 1:30pm.

He said: “I know they have a good squad and it has led them to enjoy playing in Europe this season. Next game will be very tough for us but we try to keep our positive feeling that we have in this moment after the last game against Burnley and then against Crystal Palace next week.

“I think they have a good squad and I’m sure they won’t have any problem playing three games. They can play because on Thursday, they changed the centre backs, right-back and one of the midfielders.

“The strikers can change and wingers and I’m sure they will play at the same level. If you ask me if I prefer to play three games or two during this period then I prefer to play two games. But I’m sure they will keep their level and it will be a very tough game for us for sure.”

Burnley did the double over the Hornets last season and fought back from 1-0 down to claim a 2-1 victory at Vicarage Road in March.

Roberto Pereya had put the Golden Boys 1-0 up just before the hour mark when he swept home from close range, but two goals in quick succession from Sam Vokes and Cork sealed Dyche’s side the three points.

Both of Burnley’s goals came from set-pieces on that day and it is an area Gracia has been working on with his team in the build up to the game.

He said: “We know the key features of Burnley and we know it will be a very demanding game. But not only set pieces. We know in all long-balls and second balls, we lost our game last season with two long balls and two second balls. We lost that way and we know it.

“It’s difficult to defend these situations. We have worked on that and we have prepared this game and I’m confident we will do well.”