So claims manager Sean O'Driscoll after watching a DVD of Watford's 0-0 draw against Ipswich at Portman Road in their last game.
"The last time we played them we were both in the bottom four, so credit to Watford for turning things around," said O'Driscoll.
"Brendan (Rodgers, manager) has come in and adapted to the division and on the recent games that we've had watched they are as good as anybody in this division.
"Had this been the start of the season, then based on the reports that we have had back, we'd have said that they are a side which will do well.
"They have got a nice balance about them and they've got a good work ethic.
"They try and pass the ball and have got good movement - all the things that you expect from somebody with as good a reputation as a coach as Brendan's got.
"To survive in the Championship you've got to be a half-decent side and they are no different..
"Their front six are good; they work hard and have good movement and their back four is solid, so they are a good unit."
Rovers fans could get their first sight of new loan signing from Newcastle Kazenga Lua Lua
"It's a new experience for him. He's' only 18 and you've got to keep remembering that," said O'Driscoll.
"He's got ability and he's come out on loan to a Championship club where Newcastle can have a look at him and see whether he can handle it so they'll be asking questions of him.
"He obviously wants to progress and play in the Premier League. He's come in and been bright around the place and shown flashes on the training ground."
Right-back James O'Connor is Rover's biggest doubt.
O'Connor returned to the squad as an unused substitute in the game at Coventry after missing several games due to an ankle injury.
"He trained at the start of the week but his ankle felt sore," said O'Driscoll.
"We've just got to wait and see if it settles down. If it doesn't then we'll have to make a decision whether he is another one that we try and sort out before the end of the season or whether we leave it as late as possible."
"The last time we played them we were both in the bottom four, so credit to Watford for turning things around," said O'Driscoll.
"Brendan (Rodgers, manager) has come in and adapted to the division and on the recent games that we've had watched they are as good as anybody in this division.
"Had this been the start of the season, then based on the reports that we have had back, we'd have said that they are a side which will do well.
"They have got a nice balance about them and they've got a good work ethic.
"They try and pass the ball and have got good movement - all the things that you expect from somebody with as good a reputation as a coach as Brendan's got.
"To survive in the Championship you've got to be a half-decent side and they are no different..
"Their front six are good; they work hard and have good movement and their back four is solid, so they are a good unit."
Rovers fans could get their first sight of new loan signing from Newcastle Kazenga Lua Lua
"It's a new experience for him. He's' only 18 and you've got to keep remembering that," said O'Driscoll.
"He's got ability and he's come out on loan to a Championship club where Newcastle can have a look at him and see whether he can handle it so they'll be asking questions of him.
"He obviously wants to progress and play in the Premier League. He's come in and been bright around the place and shown flashes on the training ground."
Right-back James O'Connor is Rover's biggest doubt.
O'Connor returned to the squad as an unused substitute in the game at Coventry after missing several games due to an ankle injury.
"He trained at the start of the week but his ankle felt sore," said O'Driscoll.
"We've just got to wait and see if it settles down. If it doesn't then we'll have to make a decision whether he is another one that we try and sort out before the end of the season or whether we leave it as late as possible."