Quique Sanchez Flores says Watford’s start in the Premier League has raised expectations which he must now manage, starting at Aston Villa on Saturday – a game he insists is no easier than Manchester United.

The Hornets have find themselves seven points clear of the relegation zone with a third of the season gone, in stark contrast to what most pundits predicted.

However, Flores' attention has now switched to ensuring his players don't get ahead of themselves.

"The first third of the season is in the past," he said this morning. "After 13 matches I am very happy with this points total and the performances of the team. But we need to forget about it. Now we have to play the second part of the league. We have created a lot of expectation for Watford.

"I feel like what Watford are doing is very important to people. Journalists come to talk to the players, the sporting director and me.

"That means something is good and we are working well. But it is very important to manage the expectations. It is very important to keep humble, know the league is very long and very tough.

"Next month we have to play the best teams in the league. We have to be focused in the next match and meet the expectations."

After consecutive defeats against Leicester City and Manchester United, the Hornets travel to Villa Park on Saturday to face a Villa side who are bottom of the table and without a win since the opening day of the season.

New manager Remi Garde picked up a creditable point with a goalless draw against Manchester City in his first game in charge but saw his side crushed 4-0 at Everton last weekend.

But despite the fact the Villans have lost ten of their last 12, Flores is adamant the game will be no easier than last weekend's clash against United.

He said: "Sometimes people in football can say these matches are worth six points. For me, every match is of the same importance.

"I didn’t prepare against Manchester United thinking we would lose. And, of course, I won’t prepare for the match against Aston Villa by thinking it’s easy because they’re in the relegation zone.

"I don’t think Aston Villa will be easier than Manchester United. This is my mentality. I know Aston Villa will fight and the team will probably change their attitude because they don’t have a choice. They have to be positive, have energy and smash our team.

"I will tell the players not to underestimate Aston Villa and if we win on Saturday, we will celebrate like we’ve won against Arsenal or Chelsea."

And Flores has sympathy for new Villa boss Garde after he replaced former Watford midfielder Tim Sherwood at the beginning of the month.

"The circumstances are a little bit different because when you get a team after ten matches and the morale of the team is completely down,” said Flores. “It is very difficult because they expect you, as a new coach, to improve every match.”

"It’s like a new kick in your brain. We are in the opposite situation. We will try to use the situation the create conflict and disturb them."