Chelsea V Watford: Preview, Predicted XI And Betting Odds

Chelsea know that two wins from two will secure them a place in next season’s Champions League, but Sunday’s game against Watford will be a stern test.

The Hornets may be thinking ahead to their FA Cup final appearance against Manchester City later this month but they haven’t taken their eye off the ball since the semi-final win against Wolves.

Narrow losses against Arsenal and Wolves, a win against Huddersfield and a draw versus Southampton doesn’t suggest a team in great form but performances in most of those games haven’t been poor.

Blues manager Maurizio Sarri has some major defensive issues heading into the game. Gary Cahill (Achilles) and Antonio Rudiger (knee) are both out of contention with Ethan Ampadu also sidelined with a back problem.

Callum Hudson-Odoi (Achilles) and Marco van Ginkel (knee) are out for the season, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek had to come off with cramp during last night’s game against Frankfurt so may not be fit to start this weekend.

Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Face Watford:

Kepa, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Luiz, Alonso, Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic, Pedro, Higuain, Hazard

Watford have fewer injury problems. Sebastian Prodl remains a doubt because of a knee injury while Domingos Quina won’t play again this campaign after dislocating his shoulder. Troy Deeney will return after his three-match ban for his sending off against Arsenal.

Watford’s Predicted XI:

Foster, Janmaat, Mariappa, Cathcart, Holebas, Hughes, Doucoure, Capoue, Pereyra, Deulofeu, Deeney

The bookmakers have Chelsea as the heavy favourites to get the three points with Unibet having them at 21/50 odds-on for the win. A draw is 4/1 with Betway while a victory for the Hornets is 8/1 at Betfair.

Predicted Score – 2-1 to Chelsea