Curtis Davies believes that Troy Deeney's injury has helped Watford to maintain their push for automatic promotion.

The Hornets took a massive step towards gaining automatic promotion on Tuesday night, defeating league leaders Norwich City by a goal to nil at Carrow Road.

Xisco's side started the game in usual 4-3-3 formation, which is a system they have adopted since February when Deeney picked up an Achilles injury.

It was one of the three men in midfield who scored the winning goal in midweek, too, with Dan Gosling tapping in at the far post from Joao Pedro's cross in the second half.

Nathaniel Chalobah was brought on for Gosling for the last 25 minutes, and alongside Tom Cleverley and Will Hughes, they helped see out the lead.

Speaking to EFL on Quest, Derby defender Curtis Davies said he believes that the injury to Deeney which forced them into changing their style has helped Watford in their bid for promotion.

He said: “I think the best thing that happened to Watford in a way was Troy Deeney being injured as it forced them to play a 4-3-3 and get the most out of Will Hughes and Chalobah, running the midfield.

"They’ve been fantastic."

Watford now sit eight points clear of third with three games to play, and a win over Millwall would see them win promotion this weekend.

The Verdict

I think Davies is right here.

Given the amount of firepower Watford have in the final third, it's important to have that balance in midfield.

In Chalobah and Hughes in particular, they have two classy midfielders who can read the game well and provide plenty of defensive steel.

It's a perfect blend, and it allows the front three to do what they do best and win games.