Chelsea will be aiming to better their top-four prospects when they entertain Watford in Sunday’s early kick-off from Stamford Bridge. The west London side are currently two points ahead of Arsenal in the pursuit of the final Champions League place, but Saturday’s round of results have meant that they could jump to third ahead of Tottenham Hotspur with a victory over the Hornets.
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Lineup:
Kepa Arrizabalaga has featured in every league game for the Blues barring one against Spurs. He is expected to feature in goal tomorrow, eyeing his 14th clean sheet of the season.
In the defence, the same personnel should feature from the midweek European game. The solitary change may come at left-back with Emerson being replaced with Marcos Alonso.
In the midfield, Jorginho and N’Golo Kante are ever-presents in terms of Sarri’s selection but the third spot could be up for grabs with Ruben Loftus-Cheek struggling with cramp in the dying stages of the Frankfurt clash.
In his place, Ross Barkley could return to the mix and the England international should be determined to put in a performance, considering he has recently dropped down the pecking order.
In the attack front, Willian is likely drop to the bench for Eden Hazard’s return on the left wing. The Belgian was shockingly on the bench for the midweek European tie but he should resume services as usual.
On the opposite flank, Pedro should get the nod after scoring the crucial away goal against Frankfurt which has given them the edge in the race to reach the Europa League final.
Upfront, Olivier Giroud should witness a straight swap with Gonzalo Higuain. The Argentine has been inconsistent with his showing but Sarri has still opted to play him as the first-choice league striker this year.
Chelsea XI: Arrizabalaga; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Luiz, Alonso; Kante, Jorginho, Barkley; Pedro, Higuain, Hazard
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