Keith Andrews reckons Albion will be up against the best Championship squad he has been a part of on Saturday.

The Watford midfielder is likely to miss the game against the side he served on loan last season.

Andrews is expected to wait until after the international break as he recovers from a thigh injury.

Three-goal striker Troy Deeney (hamstring), defender Gabriel Tamas (knee) and left-back Daniel Pudil (suspended) are out while centre-back Gabriele Angella (knee) is doubtful.

But Andrews, on loan from Bolton, has no doubt the Hornets have the depth to cover those absences.

Watford beat Brentford 2-1 on Tuesday despite leaving Almen Abdi on the bench until the closing stages and giving Fernando Forestieri time to recover from a blow to the face.

Both are in contention to start on Saturday while Tommie Hoban, ideally a central defender, could replace Pudil at left-back.

Andrews said: “I think, of the squads I’ve been with in the Championship, this is the best probably by some distance.

The Argus:

Keith Andrews in action at Vicarage Road last season

“There’s no doubt about it, the options with the size of the squad and the attacking options in particular. The goals in this squad are frightening.

“We just need to be able to keep those clean sheets - and that’s not just the back three or four. That’s the whole team. We work as a unit.

“We need to work hard as a team to keep our shape out of possession. Frustrate the opposition, be hard to beat because we just know we’ve got goals in the squad.

“We are not being cocky or arrogant but we’ve got to back ourselves against anybody in this division. We are a top, top side.

“Nobody is guaranteed a starting spot which is probably something I’ve never really been involved in, certainly at this level in the Championship.”