Chelsea and Watford do battle in under an hour. Antonio Conte and Walter Mazzarri have confirmed their teams so let’s take a look!
We are less than hour from kick-off in Antonio Conte’s first Chelsea away game. The Blues travel to Vicarage Road to take on Watford and the respective managers have handed in their team sheets!
#watfordfc line-up v @ChelseaFC: Gomes (GK); Cathcart, Prödl, Britos; Amrabat, Behrami, Capoue, Guedioura, Holebas; Deeney (c), Ighalo.
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) August 20, 2016
#watfordfc subs v @ChelseaFC: Pantilimon (GK), Nyom, Hoban, Zuniga, Anya, Doucoure, Vydra.
— Watford Football Club (@WatfordFC) August 20, 2016
Chelsea subs today: Begovic, Aina, Loftus-Cheek, Fabregas, Chalobah, Moses, Batshuayi. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 20, 2016
must read: Chelsea visit Watford: Key clashes and matchups
Thibaut Courtois continues between the goalposts as expected. The Belgian has been established as Antonio Conte’s number one while speculation surrounds Asmir Begovic’s future. The latest reports claim that Eduardo is set to replace the Bosnian as backup.
The back four remains unchanged from Monday’s victory over West Ham United. Some fans were frustrated that Ola Aina was not given the start over Branislav Ivanovic, but the Serbian took a step towards silencing critics with a solid display. However, he is living on the edge so the pressure is on Ivanovic to produce the goods again.
N’Golo Kante makes his second competitive appearance for the club after an impressive debut. His campaign at Leicester City appears to be no fluke and the Frenchman is set to be a key player throughout the season.
The team seems to be laid out in a 4-1-4-1 formation. The only other change to the side comes in that midfield four. Willian is dropped for Pedro after an underwhelming performance against the Hammers. In fact, he was disappointing during pre-season and thus the decision will not surprise many.
UPDATE: Conte has confirmed that Willian has a knock and will not be risked.
Eden Hazard will be expected to replicate his exciting display from Monday as he seeks to banish the demons of last season. The Belgian carries the team when he is in form and the Blues rely heavily on him to do so.
On the bench, Cesc Fabregas finds himself acting as backup for the second week running. In positive news, there is a space for Nathaniel Chalobah. While most of his contemporaries find themselves on loan, Chalobah appears to be a part of Conte’s plans. He replaces Willian in the matchday squad, in a move that is certain to raise some eyebrows.
On the Watford side of affairs, Walter Mazzarri makes no changes to the team that earned a point against Southampton. All eyes will be on the partnership of Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo, with the duo set to provide a stern test for Chelsea’s frail defence.
With the likes of Ikechi Anya on the bench, the Hornets have game-changing talent at their disposal should the situation require it.
What do you think of the teams? Sound off in the comments below!