Watford have probably been the biggest surprise club this season and after a great start they are currently 4th in the Premier League, ahead of their opponents in this game Chelsea. It has been a fantastic start for them, and one they will be looking to maintain, although heading for an away game at Chelsea is difficult for any club, no matter what form you are in.
Chelsea won the league last season and while they have started well this season, they seem to be lacking the top class form that they showed last season, which has left them trailing the two Manchester clubs. Watford are sure to make this competitive, and they have nothing to lose when they visit Stamford Bridge, although this is their toughest task of the season.
Premier League – Stamford Bridge, London – Saturday 21th October 2017 – 12:30 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 19/5 at Ladbrokes |
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FC Chelsea
Watford.
Chelsea Form
We are still very early in the season, although Chelsea are a massive nine points behind leaders Manchester City already. That isn’t ideal and one thing they will want to ensure is that it doesn’t stretch any further, because that could mean trouble for the reigning champions. Winning their home games is a must, and that includes this one, which won’t be easy, but it is a game that they are expected to win.
The other thing that will put a little more pressure on Chelsea is the fact they have lost their last two league games. Their defeat at home to Manchester City wasn’t what they wanted against their rivals, but at least they lost to a quality team. However, last weekend they lost 201 away at Crystal Palace, a huge shock. That was the first win of the season for Palace, and the first game they had scored a goal in, Chelsea must be better this weekend.
Watford Form
I have been very surprised by the start that Watford have made, although it has been fully deserved and they have been playing some very good football at the start of this season. Last weekend they continued their run with a great 2-1 victory over Arsenal, scoring late to win the game. They continue to play well, and despite not having the star names that some clubs in the league have, confidence in the camp must be sky high right now thanks to their start.
At the start of the season, Watford will surely have set their sights on surviving in the Premier League, after a poor season last year. However, they have surely reset their targets now, and will be aiming to finish in the top half of the table. That means picking up regular points, and while this game is tough to do that, they have to approach every game with the belief that they can pick points up, because they are a good team.
Team News
After missing last weekend’s defeat to Crystal Palace, Alvaro Morata played during midweek and that is good news for Chelsea. Their star striker has to score regularly this season if they are to make any inroads into the advantage that Manchester City already holds over them. Chelsea have scored 13 goals from their eight games so far, a respectable total, but when you compare that to 29 goals scored by Manchester City, you can clearly see Chelsea are behind them so far.
Troy Deeney came on from off the bench to score last weekend and he is likely to be given the chance to start due to that. The young flair player Richarlison has been turning heads this season and he is one to keep an eye on, he can break quickly and potentially cause Chelsea problems.
Top Betting Tips
While Watford have been very impressive this season, this may be a tough ask for them and I am expecting to see Chelsea win the game. It is vital that Chelsea bounce back from last weekend, after their hugely disappointing defeat to Crystal Palace, and their league title ambitions can’t afford a third defeat in a row.
Both teams have the ability to score in this game and with Chelsea being too short in the game market, I will choose a correct score to back in this game. I am going to back Chelsea to win the game 2-1, which is priced at 17/2 with Ladbrokes and represents good value. Watford certainly have the ability to break quickly and score a goal, but overall I see Chelsea as the team with the edge and I think they are going to eventually run out as the winners of this one.