Watford are a side that should be seen as an ideal role model for Cardiff City as the two clubs prepare to go head-to-head on Saturday.

That's the view of Bluebirds favourite Nathan Blake who has been casting his eye over the Hornets for his regular column for Wales Online.

He praised the Hornets for establishing themselves as a Premier League club, while insisting that Cardiff face a much tougher test at Vicarage Road than they did in recent weeks against Southampton or Burnley.

Speaking to Wales Online, Blake said: "I watched Watford in the Monday Night Football game against Everton and it's very difficult to say where you can hurt them.

"They're very strong in midfield, and that's where they seemed to dominate Everton the other night.

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

"They play quite a weird system aswell. Roberto Pereyra doesn't always play on the wing, sometimes he tucks inside.

"Isaac Success has good strength and physicality, Troy Deeney as well, so they're certainly not going to give your centre-halves an easy ride."

He added: "They're very strong right down the centre of the team and they have people who can score from all areas so make no bones about it, it's a very good Watford team, so to go there and pick up points will be very difficult.

"You go back down the years and they were a little bit of a yo yo side, but they've developed and have become an established team again.

"It just shows what you can do if you've got a plan and you've got a good structure in place where you know what you're doing.

"They're probably a step above the likes of Southampton and Burnley. I would say Watford are similar to Bournemouth, they're becoming a well-established Premier League club, and ultimately that's where I want to see Cardiff.

"But they're definitely showing how it can be done."

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