Hornets boss Malky Mackay insists he players will have a point to prove when they return to action on home soil tonight.

Mackay felt his team should have returned south with at least a point from Saturday's Championship encounter against Barnsley at Oakwell, a game they ended up losing 1-0 to a goal scored early in the second half.

Arsenal loanee midfielder Henri Lansbury had a strong penalty appeal turned down in the first half and referee Fred Graham then incensed the visitors by ruling out Danny Graham's late header for an infringement.

"There have been games this season when we have deserved to lose, but not this one," said Mackay. "I thought we thoroughly deserved to take something.

"But it's a steep learning curve in this league and the players have to learn from things like this. When you work as hard as they did and come away with nothing, it hurts, and they will be keen to put things right on Tuesday."

Mackay will delay naming his team pending a late fitness check on Manchester United youngster Tom Cleverley. Ruled out of Saturday's game at Barnsley with a knee injury sustained in the recent 3-0 home win over Sheffield United, Watford's 10-goal top scorer is given a 50-50 chance of facing City.

But new signing Martin Taylor, recruited from Premier League Birmingham City during the January transfer window, is expected to partner Jay MeMerit in the centre of defence.

If Cleverley is not deemed fit enough to start, his place will probably be taken by Jon Harley.