With top-four rivals Manchester United away at Huddersfield at the same time, and Arsenal at home to Brighton later on Sunday, Chelsea know any slip-up could cost them a place in the top four.
The Blues are fourth heading into the contest, two points clear of the Gunners and three ahead of the Red Devils, but they have drawn their last three matches in all competitions, having been held by Burnley, United and Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League.
Maurizio Sarri's men have been impressive on home soil over the campaign and they are unbeaten in their last seven at Stamford Bridge, winning five and drawing two.
Chelsea are expected to recall Belgium international Eden Hazard after using him as a substitute in their midweek Europa League semi, but Gary Cahill is a doubt with an Achilles tendon problem while Antonio Rudiger is out for the rest of the season.
Watford, who have an FA Cup final against Manchester City to look forward to at the end of the campaign, head into the contest on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers, making it two games without a win.
The Hornets did win their last away match, a 2-1 success over already-relegated Huddersfield Town, but Javi Gracia's side have conceded in 10 successive games, the longest current run without a clean sheet in the division.
Captain and top-scorer Troy Deeney is available after suspension and he is expected to earn an instant recall. However, Craig Cathcart limped off against Wolves last week and will be assessed, while Sebastian Prodl and Domingos Quina remain sidelined.
BETTING ANALYSIS
Top four is Chelsea’s to lose as they head into their clash with Watford two points ahead of Arsenal and three points ahead of Manchester United.
Despite not winning any of their last three Premier League games, somehow Chelsea go into their encounter with Watford in fourth spot.
Generally speaking, Chelsea have improved having won five of their last nine games in all competitions; losing one and drawing the other three.
Nevertheless, such form is unlikely to keep Chelsea in the Champions League places for long. With that in mind, the Blues simply have to take all three points when they host the FA Cup finalists at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking of Watford, Javi Gracia’s men come into this game with mixed form under their belts. Since claiming their place in the FA Cup final, Watford have lost two games, drawn one and also won one.
With the cup final two weeks away, the Hornets may opt to play a strong side before resting them in next week’s Premier League finale.
Bearing all that in mind, a tough contest is expected. The recommendation is to back a home win but both teams to score at the current price of 2/1.
Recommendation
Chelsea to win and both teams to score – 2/1 888Sport*
*prices correct at time of posting and are subject to change
Chelsea v Watford
PaddyPower Pre-Match Odds: Chelsea 3/10, Draw 4/1, Watford 17/2*
With top-four rivals Manchester United away at Huddersfield at the same time, and Arsenal at home to Brighton later on Sunday, Chelsea know any slip-up could cost them a place in the top four.
The Blues are fourth heading into the contest, two points clear of the Gunners and three ahead of the Red Devils, but they have drawn their last three matches in all competitions, having been held by Burnley, United and Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League.
Maurizio Sarri's men have been impressive on home soil over the campaign and they are unbeaten in their last seven at Stamford Bridge, winning five and drawing two.
Chelsea are expected to recall Belgium international Eden Hazard after using him as a substitute in their midweek Europa League semi, but Gary Cahill is a doubt with an Achilles tendon problem while Antonio Rudiger is out for the rest of the season.
Watford, who have an FA Cup final against Manchester City to look forward to at the end of the campaign, head into the contest on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers, making it two games without a win.
The Hornets did win their last away match, a 2-1 success over already-relegated Huddersfield Town, but Javi Gracia's side have conceded in 10 successive games, the longest current run without a clean sheet in the division.
Captain and top-scorer Troy Deeney is available after suspension and he is expected to earn an instant recall. However, Craig Cathcart limped off against Wolves last week and will be assessed, while Sebastian Prodl and Domingos Quina remain sidelined.
BETTING ANALYSIS
Top four is Chelsea’s to lose as they head into their clash with Watford two points ahead of Arsenal and three points ahead of Manchester United.
Despite not winning any of their last three Premier League games, somehow Chelsea go into their encounter with Watford in fourth spot.
Generally speaking, Chelsea have improved having won five of their last nine games in all competitions; losing one and drawing the other three.
Nevertheless, such form is unlikely to keep Chelsea in the Champions League places for long. With that in mind, the Blues simply have to take all three points when they host the FA Cup finalists at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking of Watford, Javi Gracia’s men come into this game with mixed form under their belts. Since claiming their place in the FA Cup final, Watford have lost two games, drawn one and also won one.
With the cup final two weeks away, the Hornets may opt to play a strong side before resting them in next week’s Premier League finale.
Bearing all that in mind, a tough contest is expected. The recommendation is to back a home win but both teams to score at the current price of 2/1.
Recommendation
Chelsea to win and both teams to score – 2/1 888Sport*
*prices correct at time of posting and are subject to change
Head to Head Comparison
Chelsea - Last 5 Matches
Watford FC - Last 5 Matches