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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Tony Mogan

Chelsea vs Watford line-ups: Predicted XIs and latest team news for Premier League clash

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is expected to be fit for Chelsea's Premier League clash with Watford at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

The England midfielder was withdrawn in the latter stages of Chelsea's 1-1 Europa League semi-final first-leg draw at Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday, but head coach Maurizio Sarri put that down to cramp.

Chelsea will assess Gary Cahill who missed the Frankfurt trip with an Achilles tendon problem, but fellow defender Antonio Rudiger (knee) and winger Callum Hudson-Odoi (Achilles) are long-term absentees.

Gonzalo Higuain is expected to be restored up front after Olivier Giroud was again given the nod for Europa League duties on Thursday.

Watford meanwhile will welcome back captain Troy Deeney from a three-game ban.

Midfielder Etienne Capoue is set to miss out because of a groin problem picked up in the defeat to Wolves.

Miguel Britos is also unavailable after having his wisdom tooth out, while fellow defender Sebastian Prodl (knee) and midfielder Domingos Quina (shoulder) continue their rehabilitation.

Chelsea XI: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Christensen, Alonso, Kante, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek, Willian, Higuain, Hazard

Watford XI: Foster, Femenia, Mariappa, Cathcart, Holebas, Doucoure,Hughes, Pereyra, Deulofeu, Deeney

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