Chelsea will be trying to record their second consecutive win when Watford visit them at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day. New manager Guus Hiddkink should know that Watford won't be easy to beat though, they have won their last four league matches and could even push up towards the top four. Chelsea have not lost in their last nine meetings with Watford. The last direct clash was in the FA Cup last season, Chelsea won 3-0. The last league meeting was in 2007 and was won by Chelsea 1-0.
Chelsea are currently 15th in the Premier League table, but they did record a 3-1 win over Sunderland last weekend in their first match after the sacking of boss Jose Mourinho. The Blues are three points above the relegation zone but only 11 points away from the top four, a good run could lift them close to the Champions League spots considering that most big teams are dropping points on a regular basis this season. Chelsea are unbeaten on Boxing Day since 2003.
Watford have won four consecutive matches after being beaten by Manchester United at home last month. They defeated Aston Villa, Norwich and Sunderland before a shocking 3-0 victory at Anfield Road last weekend. Odion Ighalo has scored 12 goals in 17 matches so far, while the team have conceded just 16 goals since the start of the campaign. Watford are seventh in the Premier League table at the moment, but fourth place is just one point away. Their Boxing Day record shows just two wins out of the last thirteen matches though.
Probable line-ups:
Chelsea: Courtois - Ivanovic, Terry, Zouma, Azpilicueta - Matic, Fabregas - Pedro, Oscar, Willian - Costa
Watford: Gomes - Nyom, Cathcart, Britos, Holebas - Jurado, Capoue, Watson, Abdi - Ighalo, Deeney
My prediction: Chelsea to win 1-0.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Chelsea win - 1.44 Draw - 4.50 Watford win - 7.50
sharpe 8 years ago
Another great result for Watford after the victory against Liverpool at home. With the performances like these the team will not have any problems staying in the league which is the most important thing in front of every newbie. They could even think for a top half finish in the end of season although there's probably...
Another great result for Watford after the victory against Liverpool at home. With the performances like these the team will not have any problems staying in the league which is the most important thing in front of every newbie. They could even think for a top half finish in the end of season although there's probably will be some sort of drop in performance once they assure their PL staying for the next season. And for Chelsea I could only say that this a tough and transitional season for them.
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Shumar4life 8 years ago
Chelsea is backing on the track, and in after Mourinho era they get two wins, with impressive play. They had locker room problem, which is solved right now, and I believe that they will show their own quality as soon as possible. Also, I believe that they could get their Champions league spot, at least in qualifications
Chelsea is backing on the track, and in after Mourinho era they get two wins, with impressive play. They had locker room problem, which is solved right now, and I believe that they will show their own quality as soon as possible. Also, I believe that they could get their Champions league spot, at least in qualifications
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advoghado 8 years ago
Chelsea won the last game in the round, it seems that the resignation of former coach Mourinho changed things on the team of the Blues, but I think Chelsea will not have an easy game today, Watford has an interesting team and is playing well with a good result playing away 4W 2D 2L, and must complicate things for Chelsea...
Chelsea won the last game in the round, it seems that the resignation of former coach Mourinho changed things on the team of the Blues, but I think Chelsea will not have an easy game today, Watford has an interesting team and is playing well with a good result playing away 4W 2D 2L, and must complicate things for Chelsea today, but I believe the Blues will get their second win today, Falcao and Hazard seem to go to the game, though, do not begin starting playing.
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