EPL: Wounded Chelsea To Seek Redemption At Winless Watford
Bottom club Watford host highflying Blues on Saturday and will look to find a way to topple a Chelsea side brimming with confidence.
Winless Watford can’t seem to be able to get themselves off the foot of the Premier League table, but Norwich and Southampton also struggling, the Hornets can climb off the bottom of the table by a win over Frank Lampard’s side.
However, that would be a huge ask against a Chelsea team that had strung together a seven-game winning streak that was only ended by United in midweek.
Frank Lampard named a much-changed team for that Carabao Cup defeat to Man Utd at Stamford Bride but will expectedly restore all his big-guns to the starting XI for the Blues’ Premier League meeting with Watford on Saturday.
Chelsea’s recent Premier League away form has been outstanding and with Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount continuing to sparkle, their latest assignment on the road should follow the way of their last four top-flight games away from Stamford Bridge which the Blues have won.
Team News
Watford
Tom Cleverley was forced off after 10 minutes in the 0-0 draw with Bournemouth, which could see Will Hughes come into the XI.
Cleverley joins Danny Welbeck, Troy Deeney and Domingos Quina on the sidelines, while Isaac Success, Ismaila Sarr, and Etienne Capoue are doubts.
Roberto Pereyra may continue up front alongside Gerard Deulofeu for Watford.
Chelsea
Emerson has suffered a minor setback, which should see Marcos Alonso continue at left-back for Chelsea.
N’Golo Kante and Ross Barkley are edging closer to fitness, though it remains to be seen whether the pair will be fit for the trip to Watford.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger all miss out for the Blues, however.
Frank Lampard could name the same XI that started the 4-2 win at Burnley last weekend.
Player To Watch
Tammy Abraham is enjoying a brilliant season under the guidance of Chelsea legend, Lampard.
Having plundered eight goals already this term, Watford would be foolish not to keep a close eye on the England international.
Match Facts
Chelsea has scored at least 4 goals in their last 3 away matches (Premier League).
Watford has drawn their last 3 home matches (Premier League).
Watford has seen over 2.5 goals in their last 6 matches against Chelsea in all competitions.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Chelsea’s last 5 away games (Premier League).
Chelsea has won their last 4 matches (Premier League).
Chelsea has been winning at both half time and full time in their last 3 away matches (Premier League).
There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Watford’s last 4 games (Premier League).
Chelsea has won 5 of their last 6 matches against Watford in all competitions.
Chelsea has scored at least 2 goals in 5 of their last 6 matches against Watford in all competitions.
Prediction
Expecting Chelsea to keep a clean sheet in any game, feels like an unwise move at present while not many teams have managed to keep the Blues attack out and it would be a herculean task for Watford to manage to keep a clean sheet.
Tip: Both teams to score
