Javi Gracia has given his Watford a side a decent half-term report and is confident they will progress throughout the campaign.

The Hornets have won eight top-flight games en route to 27 points and 10th place in the standings after 19 matches.

That is a decent total and one that looks like ensuring Premier League football at Vicarage Road for at least another season.

However, Watford fans will be all too aware that results have tended to fall away in the second half of the season over recent years and they will want to avoid being that club sucked into a relegation battle.

Gracia does not see it happening and has praised the way his charges have played since August. “I think we are in a good moment. I have good feelings,” he said.

“We can win, we can lose but when I see my players they always give their best and are competing in all the games we’ve played and with different options against all the teams we’ve played so far.”

The Hertfordshire outfit are next in action against struggling Newcastle United on Saturday and are priced at 1.83 to get the job done, with the Magpies on offer at 4.50 and the draw 3.60.

The Spanish tactician has been impressed with the discipline his men have showed so far this term and is confident they will keep up their standards right until the end.

“I’m happy with their behaviour and I’m sure we’ll keep it in the future as well,” he added.