Chelsea vs Watford predictions: Chelsea line-up
After a 1-1 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt to take the tie to the second leg with all to play at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have to play again and this time, they face a battle-hardened Watford. The Hornets are no pushovers and that makes for an even better battle. Both sides are chasing after European football, although the away side have a better chance.
Chelsea have to win their next two games if they want any chance of finishing in the top four, while Watford have to do the same to finish in the final Europa League spot. However, that being said, both sides have to win and hope that results elsewhere go their way.
Team News
Antonio Rudiger limped off against Manchester United and could be out for the season (Evening Standard). Willian also walked off with a limp but was fit enough to start in mid-week.
Barring that, Maurizio Sarri has a fully fit squad at their disposal, with the exception of Marco Van Ginkel and Ethan Ampadu.
Probable Chelsea XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Maurizio Sarri
Kepa Arrizabalga (GK)
The Spaniard has played a large majority of Chelsea’s games this season and should keep his, barring any injuries.
Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)
The most consistent player at the club and one of the club’s only right-backs, the captain will start.
Andreas Christensen (CB)
The Dane has done well since replacing Rudiger and should see the season out.
David Luiz (CB)
Luiz has found a place at Chelsea under Maurizio Sarri and has become their main center-back.
Marcos Alonso (LB)
Emerson played the mid-week fixture and that paves the way for the Spaniard to play against Watford.
Jorginho (CM)
An everpresent sight on the Chelsea team-sheet, he needs to improve or could find himself on the last bus out of Stamford Bridge.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (CM)
Among Chelsea’s best players in the Europa League semi-final, the 23-year-old should make the starting eleven.
N’Golo Kante (CM)
Among the best in his position, there have been a few debates about the Frenchman this season and yet, nothing has fazed Kante.
Pedro (RW)
The Spaniard scored a crucial equaliser against Frankfurt and Chelsea will be hoping he can continue that form.
Gonzalo Higuain (CF)
A phenomenal striker on his day, the Argentine has struggled and needs to finish the season on a high if he wants a permanent move.
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Eden Hazard (LW)
Chelsea’s best player alongside a certain Frenchman, the Belgian was rested in the mid-week clash and should make the starting eleven against Watford.