CHELSEA and Watford both end a season they'd rather forget with what is now a meaningless game on Sunday at Stamford Bridge, which will surely be 74-year-old Hornets boss Roy Hodgson's last match in football.
The London side all but secured third with a comeback 1-1 draw against Leicester City in midweek. They are three points ahead of Spurs with a 18-goal superior goal difference.
Even allowing for last game goals, that swing won't be caught, but it's been a disappointing season for the Champions League winners who lost both Cup Finals to Liverpool on penalties and were far too inconsistent for challenge Manchester City and Liverpool for the title.
But that's nothing compared with the doom and gloom of Watford's season. Hodgson will stand aside after this game for successor Rob Edwards, who will move from Forest Green Rovers.
It's been a sad end to his distinguished managerial career and last week's dismal 5-1 home thrashing from Leicester City means they have picked up just one point from their last nine games.
So both sets of players could be forgiven for wanting to go on their holidays as quickly as possible.
How the bookies view it
Chelsea are as solid favourites as would be expected and are 2/11 with bet365 to collect an expected three points. Watford are a massive 20/1 to end Hodgson's stint as boss on a high with Coral. A draw is 7/1 with Coral.
Recent head to heads
Chelsea needed a late winner to beat Watford 2-1 at Vicarage Road in December as can be seen below.
But Chelsea have won the last five meetings between the sides and the Hornets haven't won at Stamford Bridge since 1986.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1VH8Id-NqQ
Players to watch
Moroccan maestro Hakim Ziyech has scored eight times this season and netted against Watford when the sides met earlier this season. He is 13/8 with Betfred to net.
Brazilian striker Joao Pedro ended a goal drought last week by handing Watford the lead against Leicester City before it all went wrong. He is 13/2 with Unibet to score anytime.
Anything else catch the eye?
There's no reason why there shouldn't be plenty of goals here with the pressure off and end of season games being famous for delivering plenty of them.
As dismal as Watford are, they can usually be relied on to score as they did against Leicester City, Manchester City and Arsenal among others on their recent awful run, so the Chelsea to win and both teams to score appeals at 2/1 with Coral.
On a similar token, if there is a goal fest, it could pay to back a Chelsea win and over 4.5 goals at 11/4 with Paddy Power as the hosts look to end their season with a bang.
This English Premier League match between Chelsea and Watford will be played on May 22, 2022 and kick off at 16:00. Check below for our tipsters best Chelsea vs Watford prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
