Tottenham Hotspur v Watford
Tottenham will all-but secure Champions League football for another season if they beat Watford live on Monday Night Football.
Following their FA Cup exit at the hands of Manchester United last weekend, the club are guaranteed to extend their barren spell without a trophy into an 11th season, and after the game Mauricio Pochettino hinted he may leave the club.
But ahead of hosting Watford on Monday night, live on Sky Sports Premier League from 7pm, the Argentine said he was staying firmly put.
"It was not a message I was sending to someone, I was only explaining in the context of the question that the project is so strong [and] we believe in this project," he said.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino rejects suggestions he's frustrated by Spurs' failure to win a trophy during his reign
"The club cannot behave like different clubs and I think the club needs to keep going with the project, keep pushing in this direction, trying to achieve all the things that the club want.
"I am working, and I work, in every single project at every single club like I am going to be here for life. The only thing I wanted to translate is that the club is in the right way, that we cannot compare, that we need time to win.
"After three or four years now we are able to compete with clubs like United, City, Chelsea or Liverpool but there is still a lot of work to do."
Watford have not even scored a goal on the road since January 2, with their last win away from Vicarage Road on November 25 at Newcastle.
Javi Gracia is yet to win an away game with Watford since taking over in January
The Hornets are all-but safe from relegation, but could move into the top half with an unlikely win.
Team news
Tottenham will assess Danny Rose in the build-up to their Premier League game with Watford on Monday night.
The left-back has missed the last three games with a calf injury, but returned to training on Friday.
The New York Times' Rory Smith discusses comments made by Mauricio Pochettino after Tottenham's FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United
That leaves Harry Winks as the only absentee as he recovers from an ankle injury while Hugo Lloris will return in goal after sitting out the FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United.
Watford have a number of injury concerns ahead of Monday's Premier League trip to Tottenham.
Boss Javi Gracia could have Gerard Deulofeu back after a throat infection but has several players struggling to be fit.
Nathaniel Chalobah (knee) is back in training but is likely to miss out while Gracia also noted Roberto Pereyra (groin) could feature while Younes Kaboul (foot), Tom Cleverley (hamstring) and Stefano Okaka (unspecified) are out.
Opta stats
Tottenham are unbeaten in their last 12 matches against Watford in all competitions (W9 D3), since a 3-2 defeat at White Hart Lane in the League Cup in October 1994.
Watford have lost their last seven away league matches against Spurs since a 5-1 win in May 1985 under Graham Taylor.
Tottenham have lost their last two home games in all competitions, as many as they had in their previous 42 combined. They've not lost three in a row at home in the same season since November 2004 (a run of four).
Mauricio Pochettino's side haven't gone four games without a win in all competitions since a run of seven in October/November 2016.
The Hornets have lost three of their four visits to Wembley - including both at the new Wembley against Crystal Palace - winning the other in May 1999 against Bolton in the second-tier play-off final.
Spurs have scored in each of their last 22 Premier League games - they last had a longer run of scoring in the top-flight in April 1987 (26 games).
Watford have lost their last seven Premier League matches in London since winning 2-1 against Arsenal in January 2017.
The Hornets have failed to score in four of their last six Premier League games (W0 D2 L4).
Watford are winless in eight away league matches played on Monday (D2 L6) and haven't won away from home in the top-flight on a Monday since May 1986, winning 5-1 against Chelsea (D3 L8 since).
Christian Eriksen has been directly involved in eight goals in his last seven games in all competitions (5 goals, 3 assists).
Merson's prediction
Watford look as though they are on the beach. Harry Kane will see this a good opportunity to strengthen his bid for the Golden Boot in a comprehensive Spurs victory.
You only have to look back at recent seasons to see that Tottenham finish the season strong.
PAUL PREDICTS: 4-0
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