Watford vs Chelsea: Preview and Prediction

Wednesday 26th December 2018

England Premier League
Wednesday 26th December 2018
Kick off at 7.30pm GMT
Venue: Vicarage Road

Match Preview:

The Boxing Day evening game will take place between Watford and Chelsea as The Blues try to get back onto a winning run after some disappointing results of late.

Maurizio Sarri’s team lost their first game of the season at Stamford Bridge against Leicester by 1-0 last weekend. Though they kept 4^th place this is now only on goal difference to Arsenal as both teams share 37 points each. Chelsea have also slipped 5 points behind 3^rd placed Tottenham and 11 behind league leaders Liverpool.

After a terrific 3 months is Chelsea’s season unfolding before them? That is the question because they have now lost 3 games in their last 6. They did beat Brighton 2-1 in their last away game but have also lost 2 out of their last 3 on the road. It’s been quite an indifferent period for The Blues, and other teams are seeing this and are perhaps thinking that they are there for the taking with the right game plan.

Watford are the home team of course and will want and need to try and pick up some points here. The Hornets are in a healthy position of 7^th place and a win would see them reach the 30 point marker and mean they are just 7 points shy of Chelsea.

They come into this game in good form having won their last two games and are unbeaten in their last three. At home they have won 5 matches from 9 but have also lost 4.

Team News:

Watford: Will Hughes will be assessed ahead of the game after suffering a hip injury. Sebastian Prodl is 50/50 to return after his delayed recovery from a knee injury

Chelsea: Alvaro Morata could return after picking up a knock a week ago and will be assessed. Victor Moses is 50/50 with a knock

Watford vs Chelsea Head to Head:

Watford beat Chelsea 4-1 here last season, that was their first victory over Chelsea in over 15 years.

Chelsea have scored 9 goals in the teams last 3 meetings.

There have been 21 goals scored in the last 4 meetings.

Watford vs Chelsea Prediction:

We expect goals in this game in what is in theory a London derby. Watford have been in impressive form and we need to take a step back from the confidence we have in Chelsea. Losing to Leicester was a real surprise and they recently lost on the road to Wolves who had been struggling. We feel Watford can get something from this game and will take them on the double chance to surprise Chelsea who seem to be waning a little bit. Chelsea are not justifying their odds on price with their form and given that this is an away game.

Watford vs Chelsea Betting Tips:

Double Chance: Watford/Draw at 2.10

Over 2.5 goals at 1.72

Anytime goalscorer: Gerard Deulofeu at 3.50

Sending off in the game at 3.75