Watford manager Gianfranco Zola has warned his players that they will have to fight to secure a spot in his regular starting XI.

The Championship outfit have already nabbed seven new players for the upcoming season, who Zola believes will have to impress at Vicarage Road.

"We already had a good team but I believe the players we have coming in can make the team even better," Zola told the club's official website.

"I'm pleased because you add another piece to the puzzle that you are building - and it is a good piece so far.

"Competition is key for everybody, as it only creates a good atmosphere for everyone to perform better. At the end of the day the players that perform well on the pitch will be the ones that play."

Watford will travel to Crystal Palace for the opening game of the new season.