Watford vs Chelsea: Preview & Prediction

Another challenging test for Watford as they welcome Chelsea to Vicarage Road on Saturday.

The Hornets will be in positive spirits as they approach the fixture off the back of a solid 1-1 draw at St Mary’s against Southampton, which will no doubt give confidence to the Watford faithful that the players can adapt to Walter Mazzarri’s 3-5-2 formation.

Last time out, Etienne Capoue demonstrated his qualities in the centre of midfield, starting off his excellent performance with a tremendous strike on nine minutes on the south coast.

Although it is still early days into the new season, Capoue’s performance provided an early indication of his importance to Watford and how the Frenchman has come on leaps and bounds since his move from Tottenham.

I’m sure that this year his performances will prove just as vital to those of the conventional stars of Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo.

The Blues also started brightly with a 2-1 win over West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

Antonio Conte’s side looked impressive from the opening minute, coming out strongly and firing shots at Adrian almost immediately.

However, it took 47 minutes for the Spanish shot-stopper to be beaten after Eden Hazard’s penalty was rifled in. Despite a late header from James Collins, the Blues came out victorious as Diego Costa fired in the winner just one minute from time.

Therefore, with both sides starting off reasonably positively, Saturday’s encounter at Vicarage Road should prove an exciting fixture!

Hornets head coach Mazzarri – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Team News:

Watford have Ben Watson suspended for Saturday’s clash, while Brice Dja Djedje has a foot injury and is likely to miss out.

New signing Isaac Success is also doubtful after picking up a leg injury.

Chelsea’s John Obi Mikel is still away with Nigeria at the Rio Olympics, while Kurt Zouma is facing a large spell on the sidelines after picking an injury at the end of last season.

League Positions: Watford – 13th (1pts); Chelsea – 3rd (3pts)
Last Meeting: Watford 0-0 Chelsea (February 3, 2016)
League Form: Watford -WLLDD; Chelsea – DLDDW
Key Men: Watford – Etienne Capoue; Chelsea – Diego Costa
Shoot Says: Watford 1-2 Chelsea