Watford have the mental strength to bounce back from their first defeat of the season when they take on Fulham on Saturday, according to head coach Javi Gracia.

A 2-1 loss against Manchester United last time out saw Watford’s perfect start to the campaign come to an end but the Hornets remain fourth in the table after five Premier League outings.

The manner in which Watford react to the defeat will offer plenty of insight into the character of Gracia’s squad and the Spaniard is confident his side will perform in south west London.

“I think after four wins in a row, even with the defeat against Man United, the team is mentally strong,” Gracia said.

“They do not need good results to know the performances have been good and, in this moment, the players are confident they will be able to keep their performance levels up.

“We will try to keep a good level to get a result in the next game and we know it will not be an easy game. We are training well and the team is strong.”

Watford’s start to the season has been a friendly one, with four of their five league games coming at home where Gracia enjoys a favourable record.

Troubles on the road last term saw Gracia fail to win an away game in the 2017/18 campaign and similar issues this season would severely undermine Watford’s hopes of a top 10 finish or better.

Gracia’s side beat Burnley in the league and also secured Carabao Cup progress away from home against Reading, leaving Gracia to believe they have got over their travel sickness.

“All the games are different,” the 48-year-old said. “The games we played last season were against teams like Liverpool and Manchester United away from home, very difficult games.

“When we played away against Burnley we played very well and got a good result. We are thinking the same way and will try to keep our style of play, maintain our mentality and be aggressive."