Chelsea will look to carry the momentum of their 5-1 FA Cup hammering of MK Dons into their Premier League visit to Watford on Wednesday. Guus Hiddink's spell as interim manager has so far been solid but unspectacular, though a late flourish shouldn't be ruled out. The defending champions have certainly got a better team than their current league position would suggest, and it wouldn't be at all surprising if they went on a winning run from here.
Chelsea vs. Watford 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Chelsea will have to beat an impressive Watford team if they’re to continue their recent resurgence.
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However, they'll certainly be made to work for their victory against a very solid Watford team. Quique Sánchez Flores' outfit only won promotion to the top flight last season, though they've adapted excellently and currently sit smack bang in the middle of the table. They should also be pretty good on confidence, having beaten Newcastle United 2-1 to end a run of four straight league defeats in their last outing.
Key player: Odion Ighalo (Watford)
Watford’s star man is Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo, who has been something of a peculiarly late bloomer. He’s 26 years old, though this is his first season as a consistent goalscorer in any European top division. Yet despite that, his run is no fluke. With power, pace and a deadly goalscoring touch, he’s got everything a club could want in a centre-forward. The Hornets’ supporters will be relieved the transfer window closed before he could be lured away from Vicarage Road.
Recent history
Chelsea have tended to get the better of Watford in their recent meetings, and with the exception of the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge earlier this season, had won every single encounter with the Hornets since 1999. However, this is a new and improved Watford team, and it’s rather telling of their recent improvement that they managed an impressive 2-2 draw away at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day.
Watford injuries and suspensions
Out: Nathan Aké (ineligible). In doubt: Joel Ekstrand (knee); Tommie Hoban (hip).
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Falcao (groin); Loïc Rémy (calf); Willian (foot).
Watford will certainly be without Chelsea loanee Aké, who is ineligible to play against his parent club. However, returning centre-backs Hoban and Ekstrand are both close to returns after lengthy layoffs.
Chelsea have no confirmed absentees, though they’ve got three injury problems in attack. Falcao will almost certainly miss out once again with a groin problem, though Rémy and Willian have better chances of returning to action after knocks.
Match date/time: Wednesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 7:45 p.m. local
Venue: Vicarage Road, Watford, England
TV: NBCSN (U.S.); Sportsnet regional networks (Canada); BT Sport 1 (UK)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S. - English); NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra (U.S. - Spanish); Sportsnet World Now (Canada); BT Sport live streaming (UK)
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