Cardiff boss Dave Jones is set to welcome a host of big names back into his squad for the crucial visit of the Hornets.
Jay Bothroyd (hamstring) has resumed training and will be assessed to see whether he is ready to make his comeback after a lengthy lay-off, while Craig Bellamy (knee) was rested for Tuesday's FA Cup third-round replay defeat to Stoke but should return.
Michael Chopra was only called upon as a second-half substitute against the Potters and will be raring to go against the Hornets, while there could be a debut for new loan signing Jay Emmanuel-Thomas from Arsenal.
Jon Parkin and Andy Keogh are also competing for starts in attack as City look to kickstart a winning run in the Championship, with midfielders Peter Whittingham and Seyi Olofinjana also back in the frame having been rested for the cup tie.
One player Jones is set to be without, however, is midfielder Stephen McPhail, who was forced off just before half-time in midweek nursing a hamstring injury.
Watford have added new signings Andros Townsend and Andreas Weimann to their squad for the game.
Tottenham winger Townsend and Aston Villa striker Weimann have both penned loan deals until the end of the season this week to provide Malky Mackay's in-form side with a boost.
Townsend could replace Don Cowie in a starting XI which has won their last seven games in all competitions.
Cowie had to come off at half-time of last weekend's 3-0 win over Derby with a thigh strain which will keep him out for at least another fortnight.
Striker Danny Graham will continue to lead the line having incredibly scored in all seven of the wins.
Captain John Eustace remains sidelined with the calf problem he sustained in the New Year's Day win over Portsmouth, but fellow midfielder Michael Bryan is back after an ankle injury.
