Javi Gracia has called for Watford fans to back their team against West Ham United on Saturday, but knows the players first have to give them something to cheer.

Following two sub-par performances, the Hornets' head coach said he needs the supporters on his side to help turn things around, but that he knows the team need to play better.

Gracia also said he felt unlucky about the prospect of facing the Irons with a weakened side following injuries to Troy Deeney, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Roberto Pereyra, but that he believes he can still find a win.

"This moment is when I'm sure the supporters will be supporting the team and helping the team because it's the moment when we need them," he said.

"I know first of all they have to see the commitment of the team and the team really focused and playing with that passion and after I'm sure, like they usually do, playing away or at home, always supporting their team. 

"We are a little bit unlucky with these injuries, but I don't spend time thinking about things I can't do.

"The players I have, I have and with these players, who in my opinion are very good players, they are waiting for their chance to play and I'm sure we'll be ready to compete against West Ham and we'll do it properly."

Gracia's confidence in his squad comes from what he has seen them achieve before, particularly last season.

The Spaniard said he did not need injuries for his players to show him how good they are, but that he believes anyone given a chance in the starting lineup will take it.

"I don't need these conditions or this situation to know they're ready because they showed me last season," he said.

"They did it during all the season in different competitions. All of them.

"All the squad always is ready and for that reason we were able to achieve important things for the club, but it's true maybe some of them in this season, they didn't play yet and it will be a chance for some of them."