Chelsea vs. Watford: Daring to predict a makeshift XI ends the slump
Chelsea have not lost to Watford since 1999. We’re OK tempting fate like that, because have you seen the Blues’ injury list?
Chelsea’s injury curse appears to apply to former players, as well. Nathaniel Chalobah is out indefinitely with a knee injury, sparing Stamford Bridge the agony of him scoring a hat trick against the club that raised him, loaned him and sold him.
Barrett Rouen: Chelsea 2 – 0 Watford. The Blues should easily handle their business against Watford. That said, it’s generally in situations like this that they don’t handle themselves properly. A couple youth players to start over their incredibly disappointing senior counterparts.
Travis Tyler: 1 – 1. It’s rare that I predict anything but a win, but this match is screaming it at me. Chelsea are thinned because of injury and weakened because of morale on the back of two losses and a draw. Marco Silva is proving why he was courted by almost every mid-table and bottom-half Premier League club in the summer. Heurelho Gomes will put in a world-class performance like he always does against Chelsea. The Blues will have an xG of about 6 and somehow breakthrough in the 93rd minute to salvage a point.
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Abhishek Pancholi: 3 – 0. Just when everyone seems to have written off Chelsea’s chances of mounting a challenge in the league, the Blues finally bare their teeth and wallop Watford. Conte tweaks the tactical setup just enough to confound Marco SIlva, foiling his plans of getting anything from this game. Alvaro Morata to score a couple and Hazard to score (another) header.
Scott Brant: 2 – 2. Chelsea have been decimated by injuries to key players. Even if some of said players play, it’s likely they are carrying a knock or two. Watford are a good team, and a tough team to get three points against even when healthy. Expect more poor defense from the Blues! …which I’m sure Thibaut Courtois will take the blame for.
Kevin Peacock: 1 – 2. As the board continue with their boom and bust policy, Watford come to Stamford Bridge without fear. Antonio Conte’s attempt to get his lacklustre squad up for the challenge fails. Watford dominate Chelsea’s weakened midfield, and run out the winners. Chelsea offer little in the way of resistance. Antonio Conte’s future comes under greater scrutiny.
Charlie Dawson: 1 – 2, or maybe 3 – 0. Chelsea could easily bottle this game, conceding an early goal to Richarlison. Eden Hazard would equalize, but Watford would take the lead back as Michy Batshuayi comes on as a sub to do nothing. On the other hand, Alvaro Morata could score a brace and Antonio Rudiger would add a goal of his own as the Blues cruise to a thrilling win. Either way.
Next: Watford will continue their wait to see a 'real' Chelsea squad