Chelsea v Watford: match preview

Chelsea v Watford: probable starters in bold, contenders in light

Of the teams pursuing a top-four place, Chelsea’s arguably appears the most awkward run-in with Watford – whose players are competing for an FA Cup final place with their captain, Troy Deeney, restored to the ranks after suspension – to pose a challenge at Stamford Bridge. Much will depend upon the hosts’ recovery from a strenuous evening in Frankfurt on Thursday, but Eden Hazard should be fresh enough to start. It remains to be seen how the Chelsea’s rejigged defence copes with Watford’s brawn and energy. Dominic Fifield

Sunday 2pm

Venue Stamford Bridge

Last season Chelsea 4 Watford 2

Referee Paul Tierney

This season G23 Y81 R1 3.57 cards/game

Odds H 1-2 A 8-1 D 4-1

CHELSEA

Subs from Caballero, Green, Ampadu, Emerson, Christensen, Barkley, Zappacosta, Loftus-Cheek, Kovacic, Drinkwater, Giroud, Willian

Doubtful Ampadu (back), Drinkwater (knock), Willian (knock)

Injured Cahill (achilles, 12 May), Hudson-Odoi (achilles, Aug), Rüdiger (knee, Aug)

Suspended None

Discipline Y48 R0

Form WWWLDD

Leading scorer Hazard 16

WATFORD

Subs from Dahlberg, Gomes, Chalobah, Britos, Navarro, Masina, Success, Sema, Cleverley, Janmaat, Masina, Gray

Doubtful None

Injured Prödl (knee, unknown), Quina (shoulder, unknown)

Suspended None

Discipline Y75 R3

Form LWLWDL

Leading scorers Deeney, Deulofeu 9