Watford rematch pivotal on several levels for Aston Villa

Barely three weeks on from that dismal afternoon, tonight’s reverse fixture offers the chance for Smith and his team to prove they truly have turned a corner.

For now, opinion remains divided. Though Smith can point to positive results at Burnley and Brighton as evidence his players have learned their lesson from Vicarage Road, there is also the matter of a 6-1 humbling against Manchester City last time out on home turf.

“It didn’t feel like (we had got a response) when it was 6-0 against Manchester City,” he said.

“The response after in the Burnley game, Leicester, and certainly Brighton, have been really good, and we need more of that.”

Defeat at Watford prompted clear the air talks involving Smith, his coaching staff and players.

“We had a meeting and questioned what we want to stand for,” explained the boss. “When people look at us, what do we want them to be saying about us?

“It certainly wasn’t what we’d seen at Watford on that day.”

Villa have taken four points from the following three Premier League games, but it has not been enough to see them escape the relegation zone.

Watford, who are unbeaten in six, sit just a point and a place ahead of them. With Brighton also travelling to Bournemouth, it promises to be a big night in the battle at the foot of the table.

Villa’s cause has not been helped by their lack of options in the final third following the season-ending injury suffered by record buy Wesley.

This is the fourth game they will enter without a recognised senior striker available.

A deal for Tanzania international Mbwana Samatta has been completed, while Jonathan Kodjia has been allowed to depart to Al Gharafa in a £2million deal.

With Keinan Davis having only just returned to training following a hamstring injury, Smith will consider handing a first Premier League start to Indiana Vassilev, following the 18-year-old’s lively cameo off the bench in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Brighton.

Asked if Vassilev might be ready to start in the league, Smith replied: “Yeah, he is definitely.

“The kid’s a bright spark, and we’ve seen that when he’s come on so far.

“He gave them problems on Saturday when he came on. A super ball from Douglas, but unless Indi makes that run down the side, he doesn’t drag Webster across, and Jack get in for the goal.

“He knows what’s doing up there, he’s got a lot of pace and he can run all day as well.

“I’ve never been afraid to go and put young kids in if I feel they’re ready. I congratulated him after the game and said: ‘You’re a Premier League player now.’”