The FA Cup third round draw could have been kinder to Watford but Slavisa Jokanovic says the Hornets will not be going to Chelsea for a shopping trip down the Kings Road. 

The 46-year-old played for the Blues between 2000 and 2002 before returning to Spain for the final year of his career.

And Jokanovic says the Hornets can cause an upset against Jose Mourinho’s side, who sit top of the Premier League after just one league defeat.

Looking forward to the tie, Jokanovic said: “It is the most important cup competition in the world and is a big chance for us to do something to surprise Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

“It is a very nice game for us and an important day for the club and the supporters. We will play against one of the best teams in Europe so it is a big opportunity for us.

“We are not there to do shopping on the Kings Road, it is an important day and I expect my boys to give everything they can.

“I believe we can put in a good performance. I am sure many Watford fans will be there supporting us,” added Jokanovic.

The former midfielder, who made 53 appearances for Chelsea after joining in a £1.7 million switch from Deportivo la Coruna in October 2000, acknowledges the Hornets will be outsiders against the Stamford Bridge side, who had been looking to go the league season unbeaten before defeat at Newcastle United on Saturday.

He stated: “Normally they would win against us but we need to put them under pressure and try and cause them problems. We will do best for our club.”

The tie affords Jokanovic the opportunity to pit his wits against Mourinho, who won the competition in 2007.

Asked about the prospect of standing in the opposing technical area to the self-styled ‘Special One’, Jokanovic said: “He is one of the best in the world and it is not up to me if he does something wrong or right. He can make mistakes like all humans, hopefully he does against us.

“Many coaches try and win against him but lose. We are not expected to win the game when we arrive there.”

Watford have faced Chelsea in the FA Cup four times in the last decade, most recently losing 5-0 at Stamford Bridge in 2010 under Malky Mackay. A year earlier, Brendan Rodgers’ side were beaten 3-1 at Vicarage Road after Tamas Priskin drew first blood.

The most memorable meeting came in 2003 when the Hornets held the Blues to a 2-2 draw at Vicarage Road before losing the replay 4-0.

The tie will be played over the weekend of Saturday, January 3.