Tom Cleverley: Watford not here to hang about and strike late

The Hornets claimed a late point at the Championship's bottom club Hull, who were under new boss Ruben Selles, on Wednesday night.

Watford were billed as fresher than their hosts heading into the clash as their trip to Cardiff was postponed last weekend due to Storm Darragh.

But the Tigers struck first, eight minutes from time, before two Hornets subs combined as Kwandwo Baah fed Rocco Vata for the equaliser.

Watford are eighth, two places and one point behind the Baggies ahead of Sunday's clash, and Cleverley insists the midweek trip was not about being secure before using more attacking players late on.

“No we never approach games with that mentality," Cleverley told the Watford Observer.

“We will always approach a game trying to win it.

“It’s just not my style to be waiting for the last half an hour and hopefully something will happen from a substitute.

“That’s not the case tonight.

“I’m really pleased with the impact the substitutes had and it is their challenge to get in the team from the start."

The Hornets welcome Carlos Corberan's Baggies to Vicarage Road in decent form unbeaten in five, though three of the last four have been draws.

Former Manchester United and England midfielder Cleverley, 35, was initially appointed on an interim basis following the sacking of ex-Albion boss Valerien Ismael in March. The position was made permanent the following month after just one defeat in seven.

Among the Hornets' key men is talented Georgian attack-minded midfielder Giorgi Chakvetadze, who has been linked with a top flight move after his form so far this season.

Their top scorer is loan striker Vakoun Bayo, who is in a second spell at Vicarage Road having been sold to Udinese.

A key summer recruit has proven to be experienced French midfielder and World Cup winner Moussa Sissoko, the 71-cap former Newcastle and Tottenham favourite who is also in a second spell at the club.