Javi Gracia doesn't expect Wolves to be motivated by revenge against Watford

Javi Gracia says he doesn’t expect Wolves to be motivated by revenge for their FA Cup semi-final defeat against Watford, with both clubs battling for Europa League qualification.

Watford produced a stirring comeback from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Wembley earlier this month and reach the FA Cup final where they will play Manchester City on May 18.

Their victory prevented Wolves from reaching the showpiece for the first time in 59 years.

Gracia has confounded expectations to lead the Hornets to an impressive campaign and the club are in contention for Europa League qualification through two routes.

Seventh in the league will see them enter Europe's second-tier competition at the second qualifying round, while victory in the FA Cup final guarantees automatic qualification into the group stages.

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Asked about the magnitude of Saturday's meeting at Vicarage Road, Gracia said: "All the games we have played before [against Wolves] have been very tough, very equal and very close games.

"We know it will be the same in this situation. We try to achieve the points that are in play because we know it is very important to have a good chance to achieve at the end of the season seventh place."

Despite the disappointing nature of the extra-time defeat for Wolves when the two sides last met, Gracia says the chance to qualify for European football is enough incentive for both clubs.

"They will be motivated like we are as well because all of us want to win the game," he added.

"We want to achieve the better position. I don't think they need an extra motivation to play tomorrow."

• Merson's Predictions

Gracia will be without club captain Troy Deeney, who will serve the final match of a three-game suspension, and the Spaniard says he expects a "different" game to the meeting at Wembley.

"I have seen many times that game. But I think the next game will be different. Maybe they will have the same or similar players," the 48-year-old said.

"For us it will be different because Troy is suspended and we will see. I expect a different game and I am sure during the game we will try to look for the way to get the points."

Nuno's Wolves deserve their plaudits

Gracia and opposition manager Nuno Espirito Santo have been two standouts of this Premier League campaign and the Watford boss says the accomplishments of the Portuguese have not comes as a shock.

"I knew Nuno before coming to England because he worked in Spain as well at Valencia," Gracia said.

"It is not a surprise for me what he is doing at Wolves. I think Wolves are a very well-organised team. They deserve the results they are getting.

"We will see in these three games what happens."

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