There was to be no upset at Vicarage Road, as Marco Silva's men avenge Carabao Cup defeat against Robins earlier on in season
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TROY DEENEY got Watford back to winning ways after his four match-ban ended as his side avoid another Cup exit at the hands of Bristol City.
The Hornets lost to City in the Carabao Cup at Vicarage Road earlier this season with the Robins going to to beat Stoke City, Crystal Palace and Manchester United ahead of Tuesday's first leg semi-final showdown against Premier League leaders Manchester City.
Mindful of this, City boss Lee Johnson made SEVEN changes to the team that faced Aston Villa in the Championship last weekend. He also handed debuts to Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Opi Edwards who have been on loan at non-league Bath City.
But there was little to separate the two teams, with City currently fourth in the Championship and Watford sliding down the Premier League table, for much of the first half.
Etienne Capoue had a shot saved from 25 yards by City keeper Luke Steele on the 14th minute and seconds later Roberto Pereyra also forced the opposition shot-stopper into action with a close range effort.
Tom Cleverley then drifted in from the right only for his shot to be blocked by Horour Magnusson on the 24th minute.
INTERACTIVE STATS – CLICK on the categories to find out how the teams fared
And Watford, who had lost their last two Premier League outings, were finally rewarded for their effort just before the break.
A close range shot from the Peruvian Carrillo sailed past Steele to break the deadlock with his second goal in as many games.
The difference though with a largely inexperienced City team began to show as the minutes ticked by.
INTERACTIVE STATS – CLICK on a player’s number below to see their stats
And Deeney, who has missed seven matches this season through suspension, netted the second on the 56th minute, heading the ball past Steele after latching on to a great cross from Cleverley. It was Deeney's first goal in open play since April last season.
City had the perfect chance to score themselves after 62 minutes only for Matty Taylor to head wide of Heurelho Gomez's post but Watford sealed victory when Capoue netted the third six minutes from time.
