The sacking of José Mourinho sparked an immediate turn in fortunes at Chelsea, with the Blues having seen off Sunderland in a rather routine 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge in their first match under interim manager Guus Hiddink. The reigning champions will be looking to record back-to-back league wins for the first time all season when they host newly promoted Watford on Boxing Day, though doing so could prove easier said than done.
Chelsea vs. Watford 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch EPL online
High-flying Watford will look to halt Chelsea’s resurgence when they travel to Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day.
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That’s because Watford have made an incredible start to life in the top flight, with manager Quique Sánchez Flores having so far guided them into a comfortable top-half position. They’ve won four games on the bounce and are only 12 points off the magical tally of 40, which is almost always good enough to guarantee Premier League survival. They’re quick, direct and physical, and should cause their hosts problems.
Key player: Odion Ighalo (Watford)
There's no doubt that Odion Ighalo is the shining star of this Watford team, with the big Nigerian forward having scored more times in the calendar year than anyone else in England. With 12 goals he's only three adrift of Premier League top scorer Jamie Vardy, and given his recent form, he could well go on and overtake the Foxes' forward. Excellent in the air and deft with his feet, Ighalo's an exceptionally good striker.
Recent history
Chelsea have won every single one of their last six games against Watford, in a run that stretches all the way back to the turn of the millennium. In that time they've only conceded twice, and kept a clean sheet as they ran out comfortable 3-0 winners when these sides met in the FA Cup back in January. However, the Hornets have improved considerably since then, meaning the Blues should expect a much tougher match.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Radamel Falcao (muscle); Eden Hazard (hip).
Watford FC injuries and suspensions
Out: Joel Ekstrand (knee). In doubt: Sebastian Prödl (calf).
Chelsea have no certain absentees, with attackers Falcao and Hazard both hoping to be involved after recent injuries. Watford will certainly be without Ekstrand, though his fellow center back Prödl could play if he passes a late fitness test.
Match date/time: Sat., Dec. 26, 10 a.m. ET, 3 p.m. local
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, England
TV: Sportsnet regional networks (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US); Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
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