Predicted Watford XI to face Chelsea in the Premier League
Watford suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Wolves at Vicarage Road in the Premier League last week in what could prove to be a decisive game in the race for the Europa League qualification spot.
The Hornets will be up against it once again when they make the trip to Stamford Bridge to lock horns with Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.
Javi Gracia’s side currently sit 10th in the standings, level on points with Everton and four adrift of 7th-place Wolves, which means that they will need to win on Sunday and hope that Wolves lose to Fulham.
Chelsea, on the other hand, will be the outright favourites and the Blues will be looking to stamp their authority in the top-four race with all three points at home on Sunday.
Team News
Troy Deeney is set to be back in contention after serving a three-game suspension for the red card that he picked up against Arsenal last month.
Javi Gracia doesn’t have too many injury concerns ahead of the game on Sunday, with Domingos Quina and Sebastian Prodl being the only players to be ruled out. Tom Cleverly is on his way to recovering from a calf injury and he will be pushing for a return.
Manager: Javi Gracia
Formation: 4-2-2-2
Predicted XI
1. Ben Foster (GK)
The former Man United star has been a picture of reliability between the sticks for the Hornets this season, though he wasn’t at his best in the 2-1 defeat to Wolves.
2. Jose Holebas (LB)
The veteran has been a hugely influential figure down the left flank for Watford and they will once again rely on the quality of his deliveries on Sunday.
3. Kiko Femenia (RB)
The Spaniard has cemented his place as the first-choice right-back in the last few months but he will need to put in a better performance than he did last week.
4. Adrian Mariappa (CB)
The Jamaican was partly to blame for Wolves’ first goal in the previous outing but he has put in multiple solid shifts at the back for the Hornets and should retain his place.
5. Christian Kabasele (CB)
Cathcart looked a bit out of sorts in the last game and went off injured, so Gracia might give the Belgian a start even if he recovers in time.
6. Etienne Capoue (CDM)
The former Spurs man has been a key figure for the Hornets in the midfield this season- dictating the play with his range of passing, cutting out the attacks and contributing to the attack with intelligent runs forward.
7. Abdoulaye Doucoure (CDM)
The Frenchman has put in a few substandard performances of late and Watford will certainly need more from their star man if they are to beat Chelsea.
8. Will Hughes (RM)
The former Derby wonderkid has been a regular under Gracia and Watford will need him to raise his game to the next level this week.
9. Roberto Pereyra (LM)
The Argentinian has faded away to some extent following a strong start to the season but he is still one of the best in the club’s ranks.
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10. Gerard Deulofeu (ST)
The former Barcelona star has been in tremendous form in front of goal this season and he will arguably be Watford’s best bet to hurt Chelsea.
11. Andre Gray (ST)
The club-record signing has scored two in the last two Premier League games and there is no reason why Gracia should drop him to accommodate Deeney.
