Watford vs Chelsea Prediction and Preview – 03/02/16
Premier League preview – Watford vs Chelsea prediction.
Watford left back Nathan Ake must stand down for the match against his parent club with Jose Holebas getting an opportunity to shine. Costel Pantilimon and Nordin Amrabat made their debuts for the Hornets in the FA Cup victory over Nottingham Forest at the weekend but Gomes and Ighalo are expected to return for the Premier League game.
Willian took a knock on his foot in the FA Cup victory over MK Dons and Chelsea interim coach Guus Hiddink is hopeful the Brazilian will be fit for Wednesday. Eden Hazard scored his first goal of the season in the 5-1 win against the Dons and will be looking for a productive second half of the campaign. January signing Alexandre Pato will put pressure on Diego Costa’s place in attack with Roberto Falcao and Loic Remy currently sidelined.
Possible Line-ups
Watford 4-3-1-2 formation: Gomes; Nyom, Cathcart, Britos, Holebas; Behrami, Watson, Capoue; Jurado; Ighalo, Deeney
Chelsea 4-3-2-1 formation: Courtois; Ivanovic, Terry, Zouma, Azpilicueta; Fabregas, Matic; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa
Statistics
- Watford have won 5 drawn 1 and lost 4 of their last 10 matches
- Chelsea have won 5 drawn 4 and lost 1 of their last 10 matches
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Watford have scored an average of 1.2 goals and conceded an average of 1 goal per game
- Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Chelsea have scored an average of 2.2 goals and conceded an average of 1.1 goals per game
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Watford’s previous 10 matches
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 7 of Chelsea’s previous 10 matches
Prediction
Watford ended a run of four successive league defeats when winning 2-1 at home to Newcastle a week past Saturday. The Hornets go into this match buoyed by back-to-back wins after their FA Cup fourth round success which coincides with Odin Ighalo regaining his scoring touch. Watford’s leading scorer found the net in both games after his longest lean spell this term of four games without a goal.
Chelsea are undefeated since Guus Hiddink took control of team affairs although the Blues are drawing a high percentage of games having won 5 and drawn 4 in 9 games under the Dutchman. His team is looking a bigger threat with each game and has won its last two away games in the league, defeating Crystal Palace 3-0 and Arsenal 1-0, before making short work of MK Dons on their FA Cup awayday on Sunday.
Confidence is growing throughout the Chelsea team which ought to be too strong for Watford who have been finding the demands of the Premier League much tougher lately.
Tips
Chelsea to win at Evs with William Hill
Over 2.5 goals at 11/8 with Betfair
Chelsea to win 2-1 at 9/1 with BetVictor
What are your predictions?
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