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Team
news, stats and prediction ahead of Chelsea vs Watford in the Premier League
on Saturday (kick-off 8pm).
Team news
Mateo Kovacic will miss Chelsea's Premier League clash with Watford at
Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The Croatia midfielder picked up an Achilles problem in Wednesday's 3-2 loss
at West Ham, and could now miss the next two matches.
Defender Fikayo Tomori is still sidelined with a muscle problem but is
edging closer towards a return to training.
Watford trio Andre Gray, Nathaniel Chalobah and Domingos Quina will all
return to the squad.
The trio were forced to miss last week's defeat at Southampton after Gray
reportedly flouted social distancing rules by hosting a birthday party.
Defender Craig Dawson is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the
season against the Saints, while Daryl Janmaat, Gerard Deulofeu (both knee)
and Isaac Success (ankle) remain out.
Opta stats
Chelsea have won each of their last three Premier League games against
Watford - it's their fourth such run of three straight league wins against
the Hornets, but they've never beaten them in four consecutively
Watford haven't won away at Chelsea in any competition since May 1986 (5-1),
drawing four and losing eight at Stamford Bridge since then
Chelsea have won each of their last three Premier League home games, having
won just two of their previous seven at Stamford Bridge (D1 L4). They last
won more consecutively at home in December 2017 under Antonio Conte (7)
Watford have earned just six points from their last 30 available in the
Premier League (W1 D3 L6). However, four of those six points have come
against sides in the top four (3-0 v Liverpool, 1-1 v Leicester)
Charlie's prediction
It is so typical of Chelsea, the way they did not take advantage of
Leicester's defeat to Everton. It was a strong Chelsea team which should
have got the job done. Olivier Giroud looked unhappy to be on the bench. He
has come back from the break looking sharp. Giroud has been loyal and good
for the team. He is a top professional, so I do not see it as a sulk. He
just looked disappointed.
Frank Lampard will reflect and ask himself what he was missing. It was a
luxurious bench, but he knows his team are not taking advantage of
situations that come their way. He said they had to be ready to take those
opportunities. They did not play badly but defended really badly.
I do not know what is going on with Watford. Where is the fight? I look at
Nigel Pearson and would not like to be getting a telling-off from him! He is
not getting that extra 10 per cent. Why did he get it in his first game and
not now? What is missing?
Watford are unpredictable, but they are missing the point as a team and some
balance. They lack technical ability and pace but have the steel and
midfield runners. What has happened to these players since the break? Can
they rely on them? So far, the answer has been no. It will be more pain and
suffering for them here, and Chelsea will get back to winning ways. It is a
must-win for Lampard's side.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 2-1 (15/2 with Sky Bet)
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