It’s the first fixture of the calendar month, as Chelsea travel to Vicarage road to face a Watford side full in form. Guus Hiddink’s men will hope to get the fans back on their side, after the news broke out that John Terry will not be renewing his contract at the end of the season.
Tension will be high at the game and will be a hostile atmosphere amongst the fans; any anger will be towards the clubs sporting director, Michael Emenalo.
Back to the game; Chelsea last played Watford in Guus Hiddink’s first game, which ended in a boxing day classic as there was four goals and a missed penalty near the end of the game. Hiddink is still unbeaten as of today, but Quique Sanchez Flores will hope to change that, and bring more misery amongst the Chelsea faithful.
The Chelsea manager will look to continue such an impressive record at the club by picking a strong line up to play the Hornets.
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois: A surprise inclusion at the weekend, with Asmir Begovic expected to start in goal, Thibaut Courtois had a reasonably quite game at the back, with the championship outfit failing to make many opportunities, and only got a goal due to a wicked deflection off Nemanja Matic.
Defence
RB – Branislav Ivanovic: The Serbian seems to back to his usual best; providing an added body in attacking and putting in decent defensive performances at the back. It may have only been MK Dons put in a great performance against them and showed some leadership qualities in that game.
CB – Kurt Zouma & John Terry: The defensive partnership that has brought a lot of success under Hiddink and deserves to continue for the rest of the season. It is important John Terry plays; our captain, our leader, our legend, needs to do whatever he can to convince those higher up to place a new contract on the table. JT loves this club as much as anyone else; the passion he showed in celebration after he scored a last minute equaliser against Everton at home.
LB – Cesar Azpilicueta:Â Azpilicueta was given a rest at the weekend with Baba Rahman taking over and putting in an impressive performance, but the manager may not feel he is ready for the premier league yet.
Midfield
CDM – John Obi Mikel & Ruben Loftus-Cheek: I believe football should be a mediocrity, where players are rewarded for the good performances by playing in the next game, and in this case, Ruben and Mikel should start against Watford. Mikel has been a key player since the return of Guus Hiddink, keeping Nemanja Matic out of the side, and deservedly so; Matic has been no where near the level he was last season and deserves to be dropped. RLC on the other hand deserves a chance after an impressive performance against MK Dons which resulted in him get an assist. The young midfielders work rate could come under questioning after walking a lot against MK Dons, but I am sure that if he starts tonight he will shine.
RW – Oscar: Fresh off his hattrick at the weekend, the Brazilian will hope to bag some more goal at Vicarage road. Willian may be absent for this game, so I can see Oscar starting out on the right
CAM – Fabregas: Not much needs to be said to be honest. He’s found his magic hat once again.
LW – Eden Hazard: The Belgian finally open his scoring for the season, having waited 30 games for this feat. The PFA POTY will hope to get a scoring run together by starting it this evening.
Striker
Diego Costa: The monster is back in form.
