Chelsea were always tipped to struggle to retain their Premier League title, as the gruelling Champions League calendar, coupled with three domestic trophies, took hold of the Blues' squad.

Missing out on Europe was a blessing in disguise for the car crash of the club's 2015/16 season, and allowed boss Antonio Conte time to give his players long rests at times during their championship-winning campaign the following year.

But for a club which used to tower over all others in the Premier League with its financial clout, casting the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City into the shadows, Chelsea have not just been brought back to a level playing field, they've gone underground.

Yes, the Blues spent significant sums on Tiemoue Bakayoko, Danny Drinkwater, Alvaro Morata and Davide Zappacosta in the summer. But they also missed out on Romelu Lukaku, Fernando Llorente and have not strengthened their squad in vital areas.

That goes some way to explaining why they have beaten only Nottingham Forest, Qarabag and Everton at Stamford Bridge this season, but not the whole way.

There is clearly somewhat of a confidence issue in West London, too. Despite playing badly, Chelsea would have held out from 2-0 up against Roma last season - and not needed a late Eden Hazard header to rescue a point in a 3-3 draw.

Conte is well aware of the difficulties within his squad, but would have expected them to cope better with, for instance, Crystal Palace's early assault on them at Selhurst Park last weekend.

The Blues are on easily the worst run under his management, and could be short in their weakest position - central midfield - to face Watford this afternoon.

Conte could even be left with just one senior midfielder, Cesc Fabregas, in an area of the field where his players have already come unstuck in recent games.

The battle for the game will most certainly be won and lost in the middle of the park, and with the Hornets' recent form and performances, you would not bet against them being the ones to win it.