Chelsea bowed out of the League Cup on Wednesday when they lost 2-1 to Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. The Blues’ six-game win run in all competitions was brought to a halt by a Marcus Rashford brace.
Frank Lampard’s men will shift their focus back to the Premier League when they face 20th-placed Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday.
The Chelsea manager rested a few of his key players for the mid-week game, which will probably help them ease past the Hornets, who are struggling and are yet to register a win this season.
Chelsea could go to second if they win and Manchester City lose their game to Southampton on Saturday.
Let’s take a look at the possible starting XI for Chelsea against Watford:
Chelsea Team News
Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rüdiger are still unavailable for selection due to injury. Ross Barkley and N’Golo Kante are also doubtful.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Watford
Goalkeeper
Kepa was not in the squad for the League Cup game against Manchester United, but should return to the side for Saturday’s trip to Watford.
Defence
Kurt Zouma and Marc Guehi started in defence for the Blues on Wednesday. Guehi should drop to the bench for Saturday’s game with Fikayo Tomori starting alongside Zouma in the Chelsea lineup.
Captain César Azpilicueta was an unused substitute for Wednesday’s game, as Reece James started at right-back. The experienced Spanish full-back should return to the side, with compatriot Marcos Alonso playing on the left.
Midfield
Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic played the entire 90 minutes against Manchester United, and the duo may have to start against Watford as well.
Mason Mount was a substitute for the clash against Manchester United and played the last 20 minutes of the game. He should be fresh for the game against Watford and will start in the midfield three alongside Jorginho and Kovacic.
Attack
Tammy Abraham played the last 10 minutes of the League Cup game as Lampard started Michy Batshuayi in place of Abraham.
Abraham should return to the side, with last week’s hat-trick hero, Christian Pulisic, starting from the left, and Willian starting from the right. Pulisic and Willian were not involved in the mid-week game.
