Nigel Pearson has backed Troy Deeney to recover from his penalty miss against Tottenham and thrive at a hostile Villa Park on Tuesday night.
Deeney had his spot-kick saved by Paulo Gazzaniga last weekend as Watford were held 0-0 at Vicarage Road.
Given Deeney is a Birmingham fan, he often faces a tough time at Villa.
Pearson, however, believes his captain will cope and bounce back from the disappointment against Spurs.
“He is motivated,” said the manager. “Okay, he didn’t convert the penalty at the weekend, but he is a player who very much thrives on pressure, regardless of how other people see him.
“He enjoys being involved in a challenge and I think that is a big part of his character.
“Like the rest of the players, he will continue to have a big role to play in trying to turn our fortunes around this season.
“You’d have to ask him if he is going to get a lively reception tonight but, if he does, it is just something he will thrive on really as much as anything.”
Watford, who have lost just one of their past nine matches in all competitions, will be without winger Ismaila Sarr after he picked up a leg injury against Tottenham.
Kiko Femenia, Will Hughes, Tom Cleverley, Daryl Janmaat and Sebastian Prodl will be absent, too, but Danny Welbeck could make the bench for the first time since October as he returns from a hamstring injury.
