Chelsea face an in form Watford side in this seasons Boxing Day fixture. It will also be Guus Hiddink’s first game in charge since returning to the club.
Boxing day will be a test to see if Chelsea have improved since Mourinho’s departure as the Sunderland side we faced last Saturday were off form whereas Watford aren’t.
Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo have formed a formidable partnership upfront this season for the Hornets and the pair will certainly be ones to watch. Deeney and Ighalo have a combined total of 17 goals in the Premier League this season with the two complimenting each others strengths with power and pace.
Saturday will certainly be a tough game and if Chelsea are to come away with a good result, stopping Deeney and Ighalo will be vital.
Come on Chelsea and Merry Christmas!
Match details
Saturday, 26th December, kick off 3:00pm (UK Time) at Stamford Bridge.
Recent form and previous meetings
A win for Chelsea in our last outing was very important and has improved the look of our recent form; Chelsea have won 2 (Porto and Sunderland) of our last 5 games, drawing 1 (Tottenham) and losing 2 (Bournemouth and Leicester).
Watford are on extremely good form having won 4 games in a row vs Aston Villa, Norwich, Sunderland and Liverpool. Their only loss in their last 5 matches was against Manchester United.
Chelsea have won 7 of the last 1o meetings with Watford, drawing 2 and losing 1. In the last two matches between the two sides, Chelsea have scored 8 goals whereas Watford have failed to find the back of the net.
Chelsea have also won 5 of the last 10 games at Stamford Bridge with Watford compared to their 2, meaning 3 draws.
Team news
Eden Hazard is Chelsea’s only injury concern. Hiddink confirmed he trained lightly on Wednesday and it remains uncertain whether he will make the Boxing Day fixture.
Diego Costa is one yellow card away from receiving a one match suspension in domestic competitions.
My prediction
I feel Chelsea will continue on from their win vs Sunderland where we looked really good in parts but at the same time I don’t think Deeney or Ighalo will make it easy for us.
My prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Watford.
