Bola has long been an important figure for Watford, but for four years he was a key asset for Saturday’s opponents, too.

The full-back spent four years with Boro, from 2019 until 2023, and is hoping to get another win over his former side this weekend.

Speaking to club media ahead of the game, Bola recognised the challenge that awaits, but insisted that Watford cannot afford the visitors too much respect.

“I’m expecting them to try and apply a lot of pressure, have the ball a lot and to try and put things right from Wednesday when they lost to Wrexham,” he stated.

“We’re at home, so we can’t give them too much respect. They’re at the top, but they are at our ground. We have to take the momentum that we have, and bring it to them.”

Tuesday's 1-0 win over Lincoln City was sorely needed after a torrid run of recent form but, despite the Hornets' struggles, it represented a second consecutive home win and clean sheet.

Reflecting on the positive momentum Watford will bring with them into Saturday's game, Bola insisted that it was a much-needed reminder of the group's quality.

“We know our qualities and how good we are,” the 28-year-old insisted. "It was a mirror-check in terms of realising that we can win games.

“I would even say that it was a bit on the frustrating side - how come we hadn’t done this before?

“It’s about everyone gelling together and knowing what we can achieve when we are all on the same page.”

Watford's test against Middlesbrough gets underway at Vicarage Road from 3pm GMT on Saturday, and is the Hornets' final game before the international break.