Chelsea use Hazard as a false nine against Watford

Antonio Conte has picked a safe an experienced lineup to travel to Watford. The bench offers promise, but only if the starters get the job done.

This was supposed to be Watford’s showcase season. They won the race for Marco Silva and spent heavily on reinforcements. Then Everton started courting Silva and it all went downhill from there.

Injuries ravaged the squad as they lost more and more matches. Eventually, the only solution to turn the team around was to jettison Silva and hire Javi Gracia.

Gracia’s record as a manager is spotty as he has rarely stayed long enough at any team to put his mark on it. He is still looking for his first win as Watford manager.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are desperate to turn their form around. January was nothing short of a disaster and February is too vital of a month to have the poor form continue.

Here is how Antonio Conte has set the Blues up to start February on the right foot:

Injuries have ravaged the squad as of late. Add in some rotation for fatigue and this is a fairly standard and safe lineup.

The back line of last year returns. Only Cesar Azpilicueta has managed to live up to the standards set in Conte’s first season. David Luiz is returning from injury and has not been great this season. And Gary Cahill tops it off but his form in recent matches has been some of his worst in a Chelsea shirt.

The midfield is also reminist of last years except for the exclusion of Marcos Alonso. He is being rested after weeks of non stop play.

The forward line picks itself via injuries. Willian returns and Eden Hazard steps in as a false nine. It is a system that has had its success this season, but none have been recent.

The most exciting part of the lineup is the bench. Injuries have forced Conte’s hand but both of the most recent signings, Emerson Palmieri and Olivier Giroud make the bench. Both are likely earmarked for a substitute appearance if things are going well.

Callum Hudson-Odoi also made it on to the bench again on the back of several promising substitute appearances. With so many forwards injured that is unsurprising but refreshing. If the starters can get the job done earlier and efficiently, the young Englishman can get another shot at showing his ability.

Next: Predictions for Watford and Chelsea’s battle of poor form

This is not exactly a must win for Chelsea but it is definitely a must not lose. A win could see Chelsea retake third, anything else and they will have to settle for the uncomfortable fourth place.