Chelsea could recall Kurt Zouma and Cesar Azpilicueta, who were unused substitutes in the win against MK Dons. I think that Watford will look at this game as a shot to nothing and as 10/3 outsiders at home I think the price is a little bit disrespectful this is a good team and they gave Chelsea plenty to worry about in the returning fixture.
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New Blues signings Alexandre Pato and Matt Miazga are not likely to be included for another week or so as they continue to settle into life at Stamford Bridge.
If this is a case of Watford building a squad for a long-term future in England’s top flight then fair play to them for splashing out on such a talented group of players.
Chelsea will pose few fears for a Watford side who drew 2-2 at Stamford Bridge at Christmas.
The Blues will host Manchester City in the fifth round of the FA Cup later this month.
Watford vs Chelsea at 2:45pm on NBCSN.
The game saw Eden Hazard score his first goal this season; Oscar score a hat trick; Baba Rahman make a successful appearance; Bertrand Traore score; and Ruben Loftus-Cheek play a full match – all of which will leave questions on the starting 11.
The Hornets have used that spending to bring in first team players like Etienne Capoue from Spurs, Jose Manuel Jurado from Spartak Moscow and Costel Pantilimon from Sunderland.
Chelsea will be sweating over the fitness of Willian, as the winger is a doubt with a foot injury.
Hiddink could settle back to a more relatable squad from last season, except with Pedro possibly filling in for Willian on the right flank. Oscar, Hazard, Fabregas and Costa are all looking like rejuvenated players under Hiddink and the team as a whole has played much better under the dutch man than Mourhino. Maybe Asmir Begovic will get a chance between the posts?
The Hornets ended a four-game losing run by beating Newcastle 2-1 last time out, and followed that win up with a 1-0 FA Cup win at Nottingham Forest on Saturday. It’s also worth noting that Diego Costa has finally made a decision to show up – the pantomime villain has netted six goals in his last seven games.
In spite of the recent forms of both clubs, it may prove to be a match of individual strengths.
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“The most important thing for Pep is to come here and translate his method and ideas for a completely different league, but he will be wonderful in the Premier League”.
