And those he did select responded with a resolute display at the back and some attractive football.
Their efforts were rewarded with a goal from Karl Duguid and Luke Summerfield's second-half penalty before a John-Joe O'Toole effort gave the Hornets hope.
The Pilgrims took the lead on the half hour. Chris Clark teased Loyd Doyley on the left flank before sending over a good cross which Rory Fallon met with a cushioned lay off back to Duguid, who didn't break stride as he cracked a first-time left-footed half-volley past Mart Poom.
Watford upped the ante after the interval with a John Eustace shot forcing Romain Larrieu to scamper across goal to keep it out.
Then a Eustace piledriver appeared to be heading in until it was blocked, before Will Hoskins narrowly failed to turn a Leigh Bromby header on target.
The visitors weathered that mini storm and began to ask attacking questions again with Duguid seeing a powerful effort blocked.
However, his side were effectively gifted a second on 71 minutes when Jay DeMerit clearly handled in his own area and Summerfield made no mistake from 12 yards.
Watford did give themselves hope with seven minutes remaining when Lee Williamson's corner was driven back across the area by Tommy Smith and O'Toole was in the right place to tap home on the line.
And the Hornets thought they might have snatched a point in injury time when Hoskins slid the ball home but his effort was ruled out for offside.