Due to a slight calf injury, Willian misses out for Chelsea and will be replaced by Spanish winger Pedro.
Antonio Conte has been forced to make a change as Willian looks to have picked up a knock on his calf, which has ruled him out of the game against Watford. Apart from that, it’s an identical starting lineup that took the field five days ago, against West Ham.
Thibaut Courtois starts in goal and has a familiar back four in Bransilav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill, John Terry and Cesar Azpilicueta ahead of him. N’Golo Kante will be stationed just behind the half way line as he would look to provide a fair share of cover to the Chelsea back line. A like-for-like change would see Pedro slot into Willian’s right wing position. Oscar has been started ahead of Cesc Fabregas and would look to impress once again. Diego Costa, who grabbed the winning goal against the Hammers, leads the line for Chelsea.
Chelsea team v Watford: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry (c), Azpilicueta; Kante; Pedro, Oscar, Matic, Hazard; Diego Costa. #CFC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 20, 2016
For Watford, Nordin Amrabat and Jose Hollebas are expected to play as wing-backs with a back three comprising of Miguel Britos, Sebastian Prodl and Craig Cathacart. Etienne Capoue scored in his side’s 1-1 draw against Southampton and will be starting at the heart of midfield alongside Adlene Guedioura and Valon Behrami. Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo will be the focal point of Watford’s attack and look poised to give Cahill and Terry a run for their money.
TEAM NEWS: #watfordfc XI unchanged for today’s game with @ChelseaFC. Watson misses out due to a one-match suspension pic.twitter.com/OLkQTWKEQG
— Watford FC (@WatfordFC) August 20, 2016
