The £750,000 signing from Southend United will partner Therry Racon in the centre of midfield with Jonjo Shelvey dropping to the bench.
Jonathan Fortune will start alongside skipper Mark Hudson in defence, despite a hip injury picked up against Yeovil in the Carling Cup defeat.
Yassin Moutaouakil will start in place of Jose Semedo at right back with Kelly Youga on the left side.
With Jerome Thomas now at Portsmouth, Hameur Bouazza makes his league debut against his old club.
Possible side for Watford: Weaver, Moutaouakil, Hudson (c), Fortune, Youga, Sam, Bailey, Racon, Bouazza, Varney, Gray
Subs: Elliot, Shelvey, Semedo, Dickson, Holland