EPL: CHE vs WAT - A must-win for The Blues to retain top-four spot

Chelsea vs Watford. Photo of Chelsea: Adrian Dennis/Pool via Getty Images. Photo of Watford: Clive Mason/Getty Images

Chelsea take on Watford at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening knowing that three points may be required to retain their spot in the top four of the Premier League standings.

Meanwhile, Watford make the trip to West London knowing that victory could put the club as many as four points above the relegation zone with just five games remaining.

Having witnessed his side battle their way to victories against Aston Villa, Manchester City and Leicester City, Chelsea boss Frank Lampard would have expected more of the same against West Ham United only Wednesday evening.

Chelsea vs Watford 💪  ⬇

No time to dwell. 💪 pic.twitter.com/CogVT5jueM

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 2, 2020

However, despite dominating possession and creating the better chances, the Blues succumbed to a surprise 3-2 defeat against opponents who had struggled in their previous two outings.

The setback leaves Chelsea holding just a two-point lead over Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the race for a Champions League spot.

Despite Watford having gone on a four-match winless streak, Nigel Pearson will feel that their extra preparation time could prove decisive at the weekend.

It's M A T C H D A Y ! ⚽ - "Time to bounce back" ⬇

It's M A T C H D A Y ! ⚽️

Time to bounce back.
COME ON CHELSEA! 🙌#CHEWAT pic.twitter.com/45ZyM0Te03

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 4, 2020

That will be stressed to his squad in the days leading up to this game, and it may be what they require to get themselves out of a slump which is threatening their top-flight status.