Watford politicians have thrown their support behind the town's football team as they battle to save themselves from relegation on Sunday.

The Hornets need at least a draw when they play Arsenal in the final game of the season, but even if they win they are not guaranteed to stay up.

A draw would only be enough to keep Watford up if Aston Villa are beaten by the Irons at the London Stadium and Bournemouth fail to beat Everton at Goodison Park.

If Aston Villa beat West Ham, then Watford’s victory would need to be by two goals more than the Villains to swing the goal difference in their favour.

Nonetheless the town's MP Dean Russell and former mayor Dorothy Thornhill believe Hornets can do it, and have sent their messages to the team.

Mr Russell said: "I sincerely hope that Watford will be playing in the Premier League next season.

"It’s frustrating that Villa took all three points against Arsenal earlier in the week but a solid performance on Sunday might just be enough.

"We are capable of producing shock wins. We were the team to break Liverpool’s undefeated win, something that I don’t think anybody expected us to do – and something that came as a huge relief to Arsenal fans worried for their ‘invincible’ legacy. This shows that the team can produce solid results and they must repeat this on Sunday if the Club is to retain its Premier League status.

"Considering we had one win from 15 games in December and were 7 points adrift at the bottom of the table, I think many people will have written Watford’s chances of survival off, but the players have done well to take it right to the last game of the season, although we would have all preferred for safety to have been guaranteed already as I am sure our nerves will be palpable on Sunday.

"It is incredibly tight at the bottom of the table, but I am keeping everything crossed that Watford avoid the drop.

"The players have to be confident, believe in their ability and fight for another year in the top tier of English football."

Watford Observer:

Official unveiling of Graham Taylor bench donated by Sir Elton John in Cassiobury Park. Dorothy Thornhill with Rita Taylor and daughter Karen Colley at the official unveiling of the Graham Taylor bench donated by Sir Elton John in Cassiobury Park

Baroness Thornhill said: "Like many thousands of diehard fans, I will be glued to the screen, no doubt with a knot in my stomach, a lump in my throat, but also a spark of hope in my heart.

"The Golden Boys have got to find some deep, deep pride in themselves and their own skills, abilities and professionalism, and together give the performance of their lives.

"We know they can do it! If they do they will become the stuff of Watford legend. They will! Each and every one of them!"