Watford manager Nigel Pearson reveals how his side will attempt to cause Sheffield United "problems" in Boxing Day clash

The Blades will go into the clash fifth in the Premier League table, while Watford have only won twice in the league all season – although last Sunday's 2-0 victory over Manchester United has added to the improving atmosphere at Vicarage Road.

After a strong showing in a recent defeat at Liverpool, Pearson is looking for his relegation-threatened team to keep building momentum.

The former Sheffield Wednesday player said: "We play Sheffield United and they are a really good team. They have a fantastic work ethic and they play a very expansive brand of football.

"They will cause most teams problems just because of their commitment to how they play so we have to deal with that.

"But we also have to make sure we cause them problems and we have players in our squad who are capable as we proved against Liverpool and by beating Man United.

"We have players ourselves who are capable and we need to concentrate on ourselves and make sure we are physically and mentally right for each game. That is the key message."