As Guus Hiddink’s first match in his second spell in charge of Chelsea, this Boxing Day fixture will certainly be a test for the Dutchman.
The Blues will not be able to coast to victory over Watford the way they did against Sunderland, and the result on Saturday will reveal whether or not Hiddink can turn the team around and make top four a reality.
Match stats
Chelsea’s stats against Watford are impressive, having won seven and lost none of their last eight meetings in all competitions. Additionally, Chelsea are undefeated on Boxing Day since 2003, and with fresh vitality injected in the team by the managerial change, that trend could continue.
However, manager Quique Sanchez Flores has led Watford to an impressive run this season, leading them to seventh place with 28 points, the same amount they had earned by the end of their last top-flight campaign in 2006/07. The Hornets have won their last four games and will be looking to extend that streak at Stamford Bridge.
Team news: Chelsea
Hiddink will be at the helm for this first time this season on Saturday, which will prove to be a monumental test of his ability to turn Chelsea’s season around and start a string of positive results. A loss at home on Boxing Day could be a huge blow to morale, and the points are needed, so a win is vital.
Eden Hazard remains doubtful after suffering a knock during the fateful 2-1 loss to Leicester City. He missed the next match, but his hip seems to have recovered since then.
Radamel Falcao is also doubtful as he still seems to be recovering from a muscle injury, which could prevent him from facing his former Atletico Madrid manager.
Chelsea predicted XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Terry, Zouma, Azpilicueta; Matic, Fabregas; Willian, Oscar, Pedro; Deigo Costa.
Team news: Watford
Watford will face Chelsea this weekend following a 3-0 victory over Liverpool, and with the goalscoring prowess of Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney so far, they are understandably confident. In fact, if Ighalo scores on Saturday, he will be the first Watford player to score in five consecutive Premier League matches.
Joel Ekstrand remains absent with a knee injury but is targeting a return in January, while Sebastian Prodl, who is coming off a calf injury, could make his first appearance since October.
Meanwhile, Flores will be forced to alter last weekend’s winning side as fullback Nathan Ake, on loan from west London, is ineligible to play at Stamford Bridge.
Watford predicted XI: Gomes; Nyom, Cathcart, Britos, Holebas; Abdi, Capoue, Watson, Jurado; Deeney, Ighalo.