Watford vs Chelsea: How Chelsea should line up to beat Watford

(Photo credit: Nazionale Calcio)

For Chelsea, this feels like a game of great importance, not least because of last week's 3-0 humiliation against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues travel to Vicarage Road on Monday night aware that they are in increasing danger of slipping out of the Champions League places.

With any hopes of a successful title defence long gone, Chelsea are looking over their shoulders, fearing that they could be reined in by Tottenham and perhaps even Arsenal.

It is crucial, then, that Antonio Conte selects a team capable of travelling to Watford and emerging with a win. 

More than anything, a confidence boost will be needed, some reassurance that the heavy defeat against Bournemouth was an anomaly not a symptom of a deeper problem.

It is unlikely to be easy: Watford's players will want to impress new boss Javi Gracia in his first home game and the fans will be expectant too.

Here's how Chelsea could approach the game to ensure they leave with three points.