Chelsea FC Visit Watford: Team News, Stats And Prediction
Chelsea FC are shortly set to take on Watford in a midweek Premier League clash. Will the Blues be able to continue their impressive form?
Chelsea are undefeated since Guus Hiddink took over from Jose Mourinho and have put in increasingly improved performances week after week. Tonight they face Watford as they look to continue their gradual climb up the table.
Quique Sanchez Flores has been working wonders just north of London with the Hornets punching well above their weight. A win this evening will see them reach the heights of seventh position.
Key Details
Watford v Chelsea FC, 3rd February 2016
Venue: Vicarage Road
Time: 19:45 GMT, 14:45 ET
TV: BT Sport 1 (UK), NBCSN (US), check your country’s local listings here
Team News
Guus Hiddink faces some late decisions regarding his squad’s fitness. Willian is carrying a knock that he picked up in the MK Dons clash after being needlessly substituted on when the game was already won. Loic Remy, meanwhile, continues to be sidelined with a calf injury while the status of Radamel Falcao is simply unknown.
New arrival Matt Miazga is technically available, but he is not expected to be included in today’s squad. However, Alexandre Pato may be feature on the bench given the aforementioned striking problems.
On the other side of affairs, former Atletico Madrid midfielder Mario Suarez should be available having completed his Premier League switch at the weekend. On loan full-back Nathan Ake is ineligible due to the terms of the agreement with Jose Holebas the man likely to deputise.
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Stats
The first Premier League fixture between the pair was an entertaining contest that ended in a 2-2 Boxing Day draw. A brace from Diego Costa was cancelled out by a Troy Deeney penalty and a Gary Cahill own goal.
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last nine competitive fixtures, winning five games and drawing on four occasions.
The Blues attack has sparked into life during this run, hitting the back of the net 21 times in total and failing to score just the once.
Watford have been in mixed form recently, winning thrice in their last eight games and once in their last six Premier League outings.
The Hornets’ defence has been relatively solid, conceding the least goals out of all teams not currently in the top seven.
However, they have scored the second lowest amount of goals out of any top half team. This is reflected in the fact that five of their last six league games have been decided by the margin of one goal.
Next: Evaluating Alexandre Pato’s Chances Of Success At Chelsea FC
Writer’s Prediction
Ugh, I have no idea really. 2-1 Watford. Please don’t hurt me.