QPR boss Mark Warburton knows his side will have to be at the top of their game when they welcome second-placed Watford to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium on Saturday. 

The Rs come back from the international break eager to return to winning ways, after a 3-1 defeat to Blackburn Rovers a fortnight ago left them 18th in the Championship table.

Despite their lofty league position, the Hornets have won just once away from Vicarage Road this season, with a 1-0 victory over basement-club Derby their only success on their travels so far. 

But Vladimir Ivic’s side have won their last two ahead of the clash in South West London, and Warburton knows the second-tier new boys will be a tough opponent this weekend.

“They came down from the Premier League, which sometimes can be very hard to deal with, but they have responded well, as have Bournemouth and Norwich,” the QPR boss said.

“They have maintained their strength in depth, so we know what we face. It is a tough opponent but, as I always say, we are a good team as well and we have to respect Watford, know how to negate their strengths and most importantly know how to impose ourselves on the game.

“It’s important that we go into the game with the right mindset, full of belief and deliver a good performance.”

Warburton will be boosted by the news that Bright Osayi-Samuel will be available for the weekend’s clash after recovering from a groin issue, while George Thomas also returns to the squad after a thigh problem. 

Lyndon Dykes is also in contention for a starting berth against the Hornets, with the striker returning to the club after helping Scotland qualify for next year’s European Championships with a penalty shootout win over Serbia. 

Dykes, who netted Rangers’ consolation in the defeat at Ewood Park last time out, will be assessed ahead of the weekend, after also featuring in Scotland's 1-0 defeat to Israel on Wednesday.

And with a hectic period of nine matches in 28 days coming up, the QPR boss can take no chances with the fitness of key players of his squad.

“The medical team have been outstanding with both of them,” Warburton said. “They’ll both train ahead of the game and obviously George has been out for a long while, so we have to look after him and ease him back into things.

“The games come thick and fast now; ideally we’d give him a couple of U23s games but unfortunately that is so difficult right now. Brighty is fit and well and will be available for selection.”

“We have to look at Lyndon and see how he is, allow him to rest and recover and he’ll be back in on Friday for some light training, set pieces and shape work.

“He has to be honest about where he is physically and how he feels mentally because the game will be a very tough test for us.”