As W atfor d prepare to host Guus Hiddink's Chelsea on Wednesday night, we speak to VAVEL UK writer Ryan Caffrey about the upcoming game.
Chelsea have had a very strange, and ultimately unexpected campaign, but - whisper it - things seem to be coming good. How do the fans deal with this? And what is a realistic aim now, top six?
The fans have to deal with this the way the only way they can. The Chelsea faithful made their feelings known following Jose Mourinho’s sacking in December, rightfully so, but now they have to get back to supporting the players.
Look at the way Diego Costa was treated; in the match against Sunderland at Stamford Bridge it was described as a cauldron of hate. Costa was among the individual players who were targeted for abuse. Now his name is chanted again, credit Costa for letting his football do the talking.
The realistic aim now in terms of league position is probably top six. But I don’t think that Chelsea can pay too much attention to the league table now. It won’t matter too much where they finish, they will just be looking at performances. Bringing in the FA Cup or perhaps even the Champions League will be a much better reward for Chelsea than finishing 6th.
If they’re wanting European football next season winning the Champions League, no matter how much of a long shot it is, will be a much more achievable goal than top four.
Despite their struggles, who are the players that have impressed you and stood out this season? Who needs to buck their ideas up before the season finishes?
Willian is the obvious choice in terms of standout player so far. He’s having his best season in a Chelsea shirt, unfortunately for him, most of his teammates are having their worst.
Recent performances have been much better but earlier in the season players like Costa, Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas were dreadful, but they seemed to have picked up now: Fabregas has been as influential as he was last season and Costa can’t stop scoring.
Hazard may be happy with scoring against MK Dons, but no disrespect to Karl Robinsons’ side, but the Belgian really should be scoring against teams of that level. The scary thing for Hazard was the 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace, the game where he was injured. Chelsea looked much better without him, which is odd to say since he was last season’s player of the year.
What are your thoughts on Guus Hiddink? He seems to have settled things down a little, but is he the long-term option heading into the future?
Hiddink may have the title of interim manager but he certainly has a place at this club. He has still only suffered one loss in the two separate stints combined. The dressing room was obviously in disarray but he seems to have calmed everything down and allowed Chelsea to play some very attractive football. It’s clear to see that the players are keen to play under him and he has a good relationship with everyone there.
Long term it’s difficult to see him staying beyond this season. Chelsea like this interim manager status, someone who can steady the ship while they secure a longer term permanent manager. Rafa Benitez had this status before Mourinho was brought in, and to be fair to him he did well in winning the Europa League and finishing in the top four.
Chelsea will be looking at a younger manager who has proved himself at a European level; Diego Simeone may be an option considering the Atletico Madrid transfer situation. From Hiddink’s point of view, if he does want the job permanently, he’s doing no harm to his chances.
What have you made of Watford this season and where do you think they can finish in the league table?
Watford have been one of the benefactors of this season of surprises. Many considered them as relegation candidates. Yet here they are comfortably mid table and only two points adrift of Liverpool.
I was surprised to see them sack the manager that got them promoted, but Quique Sanchez Flores has done a great job with them since he has arrived. In the end it turned out to be a good call from the club.
They have some talented players and play some great football. Finishing mid-table would be an achievement, but at the moment there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be looking at a top 10 finish.
Who do you consider as the biggest Watford threat to Chelsea taking all three points at Vicarage Road on Wednesday night?
A lot has been made of Odion Ighalo’s performances and rightly so: the striker has 14 goals in the league and has been one of the main reasons for Watford’s impressive form.
Not enough, however, has been said about Troy Deeney. His effect on the team as a captain is remarkable. Ighalo wouldn’t have anywhere near 14 goals if it wasn’t for Deeney’s impact, whether he’s directly assisting his striking partner or simply effecting the game, he needs to be thanked more.
John Terry likes to use his physical strength when marking and controlling strikers but if Deeney is on top form, he can hold off the defender and make space for Ighalo to run through.
What exactly do Chelsea have to do on the night to get the win against a highly competitive side? Is it a case of breaking down a Watford side that are very tight defensively, or should the focus be handling their prolific goalscorers?
Chelsea are a side that can’t really afford to go into any game focussing on defending. It’s true that they will need to hold off the Watford attack, Ighalo and Deeney can really run the show if they play at their best, but Chelsea are still the stronger side.
With players like Fabregas returning to their best it’s difficult to think that Chelsea will have too much of a hard time breaking Watford down, I can’t imagine that Watford will sit back and defend all game so both sides should have chances.
Why should they sit back and defend? They’ve had the better season and really should see any opposition as a team they can beat. So from a Chelsea perspective just take the game as any other, with both teams wanting to win it should be a good game.
Finally, what is your score prediction for the game?
I think Chelsea will come out of this game as the winners but only just. Watford are a good side but Chelsea just have too much ability in their squad and the players are returning to their best.
I do think Watford will make a game of it, they can cause anyone issues and Chelsea have been known this for conceding goals this season. I expect to see both sides score but Chelsea to just edge it.
