Forest v Watford: Team News

Last updated : 29 January 2016 By Forest

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Nottingham Forest have David Vaughan back in contention for the visit of Watford in the FA Cup.

Vaughan has completed a three-match suspension and there is a good chance he will return to the starting line-up, with Reds boss Dougie Freedman likely to make some changes for the fourth round tie.

Winger Ryan Mendes is nursing a slight knock sustained during the goalless league draw with QPR in midweek but he should be involved against the Hornets.

Britt Assombalonga (knee), Andy Reid (groin), Matty Fryatt (Achilles), Henri Lansbury (ankle) and Daniel Pinillos (knee) will all remain on the sidelines, with only Assombalonga currently on the road to recovery.

Meanwhile, Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores says it will be a "pleasure and an honour" to face Forest.

Forest are only 11th in the Sky Bet Championship and it is now almost two decades since they last featured in the top flight after they were relegated in 1999.

But speaking ahead of the tie, Flores recalled fond memories of Forest's incredible back-to-back European Cup triumphs in 1979 and 1980 - the latter coming with a 1-0 victory over Hamburg in Madrid.

"I remember perfectly the final in the Bernabeu," said Flores. "During that period there were only a few matches live on TV and this game was one of them.

"In this moment, Nottingham Forest were an amazing team in England so that is why we respect history and respect the team.

"They have a very good side, they are really organised. Sometimes they play with two strikers, and they have very energetic players in the middle.

"We respect them a lot and we are away so it is a pleasure and an honour to play against Nottingham Forest."

Flores will rotate his squad for the clash with Nordin Amrabat, the £6million arrival from Malaga, and former Sunderland goalkeeper Costel Pantilimon both expected to start. Odion Ighalo, who has scored 14 times this season, is also likely to be rested.

Flores revealed on Thursday he is close to signing Mario Suarez from Fiorentina in a reported £4million deal, while Liverpool youngster Jerome Sinclair is also on the Spaniard's radar.

"I think the amazing news for Watford is that we have the possibility to convince players to come here," Flores, whose side are 10th in the Barclays Premier League, added. "It means Watford is improving a lot in the last years.

"The players are really clever and they have a lot of information. Before they come to Watford they know everything - the owner, the players, the squad, the staff, the fans - so, when they decide 'okay, I want to go to Watford' it is because the conditions are really good.

"There are a lot of teams in the Premier League with a lot of history so if they decide to come here it is amazing for us."