Premier League giants Chelsea will be looking to get back to winning ways when they take on mid-table outfit Watford later this week. Frank Lampard’s men are coming into this tie on the back of a frustrating 3-2 defeat against London rivals West Ham United, in a fixture where nothing the Blues tried to do on either end of the pitch seemed to be coming off. A toothless attacking display was accompanied up by a horrendous performance at the back, and David Moyes’ side took advantage of the situation and ended up with all three points.
With Watford next on the agenda for the west London side, winning is going to be absolutely essential for Lampard’s men. While three points would once again put the pressure on Leicester City in third, a defeat would provide Manchester United with the opportunity to pounce. One thing that’s for sure is that the Blues will be going into this match with an angry and vengeful mindset.
Team News
Callum Hudson-Odoi has missed the last few fixtures owing to a lingering injury. Although he could make it back in time for this match, it’s unlikely that the youngster will be deployed in the team from the start. Elsewhere, Fikayo Tomori is also suffering from a slight muscular problem, and he’s set to miss out on the tie against the Hornets as well. Marco Van Ginkel, the player who has recently signed an extension at Stamford Bridge, is also unlikely to feature.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 01: Willian of Chelsea (2-L) celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal from a penalty with team mates during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Chelsea FC at London Stadium on July 01, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Adam Davy/Pool via Getty Images)
Chelsea 4-3-3 Predicted Lineup Vs Watford
Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga had a couple of questionable moments in between the sticks against West Ham United. Still, given the Blues’ lack of quality options, it’s likely that Lampard will stick to his guns and start the Spaniard again on the weekend. In front of him, Antonio Rudiger could drop down to the bench, after a terrible display against the Hammers in midweek. Andreas Christensen could be partnered up with Kurt Zouma instead, with Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso taking up the full-back slots.
Midfield
Ross Barkley and Mateo Kovacic didn’t have the most influential of displays in midweek and were the first two names to be substituted by Lampard during that tie as well. Although Barkley could drop to the bench, it’s unlikely that the manager will take Kovacic out of the eleven. The mazy dribbler has been a driving force for the Blues all season, and he is set to keep his place in the side. N’Golo Kante should also retain his slot, with Italian midfielder Jorginho expected to return ahead of Barkley.
Attack
Tammy Abraham’s performance against the Hammers in midweek was nothing short of abysmal. He failed to hold the ball up and was completely outmuscled by the West Ham attackers on every instance. Expect Olivier Giroud to make the eleven for this fixture. Mason Mount was benched for the midweek defeat, and he should be brought back into the side as well. On the other flank, it’s a battle between Willian and Christian Pulisic, but considering that the American has also had a slight niggle against Leicester City, it should be the Brazilian who is given the nod.
