Prediction: Chelsea vs Watford

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Bet 365

Chelsea will be hoping to get back to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday, as they host Watford at Stamford Bridge. It is now back-to-back defeats for the Champions and they face a Hornets side who are currently sitting fourth in the table.

Chelsea

After successive losses against Manchester City and Crystal Palace in the league, Antonio Conte’s men must pick themselves up to face a Watford team fresh from beating Arsenal last weekend. The Champions are already nine points behind front-runners City and they really cannot afford another defeat which could see them fall further behind. The loss to Palace was Chelsea’s third in eight Premier League games and Conte’s future is looking increasingly bleak, especially after their 3-3 draw at home to Roma in the Champions League this week. The result was made to look even worse as the Blues were seemingly cruising after finding themselves 2-0 up within 40 minutes. Chelsea’s main problems lie at the back and, after their defence was so commendable last season, they have now conceded an average of one goal per game this campaign. Usually teams have a better record at home, but it is now two defeats in four games at Stamford Bridge and they could do without facing a Watford team who are unbeaten away so far.

Team News

Chelsea will be sweating on the fitness of David Luiz and Tiemoue Bakayoko suffered injury concerns in their midweek Champions League match.

Victor Moses remains out meaning Davide Zappacosta will come in.

Danny Drinkwater is still not ready for his debut.

Watford

It’s fair to say that Watford have exceeded expectations so far this campaign, and their record on the road is the third best in the league. Victories against Arsenal last time out, Southampton and Swansea are proof that they can perform on the road, and manager Marco Silva seems to be enjoying his first season in charge of the club. When the Portuguese boss took over the Hornets, they were installed as relegation candidates but he has somehow led his team into the top four of the Premier League, picking up 15 points from eight matches.  If Watford are to steal anything from the game, then they will be looking towards Brazilian forward Richarlison who has been impressive since his £13m move from Fluminense in the summer. The 20-year-old has made his debut against Liverpool in the first game of the season and since then he has been an ever-present in Silva’s plans. Watford’s attacking power this season should make for an entertaining game and one in which they will be confident of quietening Stamford Bridge on Saturday lunch time.

Team News

Watford have a huge injury list but only Issas Success’s knee problem is their freshest concern.

Nathaniel Chalobah won’t face his former team as he hasn’t recovered from his injury.

Key Factors to Consider

• Chelsea have lost just once in eight games versus the Hornets (W5 D2 L1)
• Marco Silva has won 10 points from 12 away from home this season
• The Blues beat Watford home and away last season by a single goal margin
• Chelsea have already lost three of their opening eight Premier League games this campaign. The last time a team lost this many and won the title was Manchester United in 1966/67
• The Blues haven’t lost three consecutive Prem games since November 2015 under Jose Mourinho during their successful title defence in 2014/15

Conclusion

This has the makings to be a cracking game and Watford look good value to snatch something at Stamford Bridge. Silva’s men have been impressive away from home and we can definately see both teams scoring in an entertaining match.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Bet 365