Predicted Chelsea XI to face Watford in the Premier League
Chelsea played out a 1-1 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt away from home in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-finals on Thursday night, with Pedro grabbing a crucial away goal for the Blues.
Maurizio Sarri’s side were held to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford by Man United in the previous Premier League outing and they will be looking to stamp their authority in the top-four race when they play host to Watford on Sunday.
Chelsea currently sit 4th in the standings, two points clear of Arsenal and three clear of Man United, but the Blues should aim for back-to-back victories in their two remaining games to guarantee a top-four finish.
Meanwhile, Watford would need to bounce back from that 2-1 defeat to Wolves last week if Javi Gracia’s side want to keep their Europa League hopes alive.
Team News
Ruben Loftus-Cheek had to be forced off the pitch with a cramp in the 1-1 draw away at Frankfurt and he is doubtful to play a part on Sunday, while Callum Hudson-Odoi (calf) and Antonio Ridiger (knee) are both ruled out for the Premier League clash.
Manager: Maurizio Sarri
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted XI
1. Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK)
The Spaniard hasn’t done much wrong in the last few games and has always been a reliable presence for the Blues between the sticks.
2. Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)
Chelsea’s club-captain has enjoyed another solid and consistent season at the back and he will be looking to finish the campaign on a high.
3. David Luiz (CB)
The Brazilian hit the crossbar with a dipping free-kick against Frankfurt and has been an ever-present at the heart of the defence for the Blues.
4. Andreas Christensen (CB)
The Dane has done reasonably well in the absence of Rudiger and he will be expected to partner Luiz at the back once again on Sunday.
5. Marcos Alonso (LB)
The Spaniard got the equaliser against Man United and he is likely to replace Emerson, who started the Europa League game.
6. Jorginho (CDM)
The Italian has established himself as an indispensable component of Chelsea’s ‘Sarri Ball’ style of play and arguably an automatic selection for the manager.
7. N’Golo Kante (RCM)
The Frenchman put in another impressive performance in the midfield against Frankfurt and Chelsea will need his energetic presence to cope with a rather dogged and adamant Watford side.
8. Mateo Kovacic (LCM)
The Croatian has been a go-to man for Sarri in the Premier League and he is likely to start ahead of Ross Barkley and Loftus-Cheek, who might not feature on Sunday due to an injury.
9. Willian (RW)
The Brazilian will be looking to turn around a mediocre season on its head with an inspiring display against Watford on Sunday.
10. Eden Hazard (LW)
Chelsea’s indispensable weapon in the final third started from the bench in the Europa League semi-final but he is likely to be an undisputed starter in the Premier League on Sunday.
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11. Gonzalo Higuain (ST)
The Argentinian had a poor game against Man United last week but Sarri has preferred him to Giroud in the Premier League games.
