New Hornets signing Alessandro Diamanti is ready to make this Watford debut against Southampton tomorrow but Nathan Ake may have to be content with a place on the bench.

Both players have joined the Hornets on season-long loans in the ten days.

Italian international Diamanti, who has spent the past three weeks training with the Golden Boys, has arrived from Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande while Ake has made a temporary switch from Chelsea.

Watford head coach Quique Sanchez Flores was asked on Thursday if the duo are likely to face the Saints at Vicarage Road, he said: “It is important our players know the system before they walk onto the pitch. I don’t want any surprises on the pitch.

“Every day we work very hard to be ready for the next match. Diamanti has worked with us for more than two weeks. He is ready.

“Ake has trained with us for only a week. He has come in a little bit late and has to learn the structure of the team.

“But he is a clever guy and has good qualities. He wants to improve here at Watford. I am happy he will stay here this season with us.”

Defender Miguel Britos and goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis are also available for selection after both missed the opening two matches of the season due to suspension. Joel Ekstrand (knee) is the only player ruled out by injury.

While the Golden Boys are yet to be beaten in the Premier League this season they’ve also yet to taste victory.

There are certainly easier sides than Southampton to face if you’re trying to secure your first win of the campaign but does the fact Ronald Koeman’s side were in Europa League action on Thursday give the Hornets an advantage?

“For English teams it is difficult. Teams in England use a lot of energy in every single match. So the recovery after matches is not easy,” Flores explained.

“When we are preparing for a game we try we imagine facing their best team. We never underestimate. I would like to thing we are going to play against the strongest Southampton side possible.”

Watford have come up against two very different sides so far in the top flight.

Against Everton the Golden Boys worked tirelessly to disrupt their passing game while last weekend’s clash with West Bromwich Albion tested the Hornets’ ability to breakdown a stubborn defence. Something which they failed to achieve.

Southampton will offer something different. And Flores is relishing the tactical battle with Saints boss Ronald Koeman.

“We respect Southampton,” Flores said. “They have been working very hard over the past year and have improved as a team a lot.

“They do everything well. They have a good system, are well balanced and they have very good players.

“We are ready and we have prepared the team to be competitive. You never know what happens when the matches start.”

He continued: “I love creating a tactical plan. When you study the opponents you stop the video and imagine your match. You think about the things you want to create in the match.

“During the week we are giving the players information and little details. So when we get to the match they know what kind of match they will play.”