Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores expects tough encounter with Arsenal

Watford boss Quique Sanchez Flores believes last month's FA Cup victory over Arsenal makes the league trip to the Emirates an even tougher prospect.

The Hornets beat the FA Cup holders 2-1 in an impressive cup quarter-final performance which ended Arsenal's hopes of winning the trophy for a third successive season, but Flores insists his side cannot take anything for granted on the back of that success.

Arsenal remain in the hunt for the title this season along with bitter rivals Tottenham and league leaders Leicester.

When asked if Saturday's match against Arsene Wenger's side was likely to be tougher than the cup clash, Flores said: "For sure.

"It's a completely different competition, completely different scenario, completely different match. We need to prepare because they are a very good team but we want to win.

"Every match is very hard in England, in the FA Cup and the league. We are expecting a very tough match.

"They have to try to get to the top of the league but they have very good players."

Arsenal are 11 points behind Leicester, having played one game fewer, heading into the weekend fixtures, but Flores reckons the gap will prove insurmountable to close.

"I think it is difficult for anyone to beat," Flores said. "For Arsenal, they have a lot of pressure but anything can happen in the Premier League.

"Arsene Wenger has a lot of experience, I greatly admire him as a coach. What he is doing at Arsenal is very difficult.

"I respect the fans of Arsenal, they know a lot better than me, but I respect Arsene too.

"Every time I play against him it is an honour. He has been coaching for a long time."