Premier League: Chelsea Aiming to Avoid Hornets' Sting at Home

Chelsea vs Watford FC

Chelsea currently find themselves in a fine situation. They’ve got a two-point lead over fifth-placed Arsenal for the last Champions League place in the Premier League with just two games remaining.

But even if they don’t get fourth, they still have another way that they can make the Champions League, which is by winning the Europa League. They’ll need to get past Eintracht Frankfurt in the semi-finals first, though.

Chelsea can take continue to improve their Premier League 2019 odds of clinching fourth as they host Watford at Stamford Bridge. The Hornets have been quite impressive this season, but they have had their problems against the top six sides.

However, the Blues have also had their troubles following European action, and could give the Hornets the opportunity to finally end their top-six losing skid.

Talking Points

Chelsea’s injury concerns

Chelsea’s squad is getting stretched to its limits at the tail-end of the season. The defence, in particular, is suffering from a couple of injuries.

Centre-back Antonio Rudiger will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing knee surgery. Meanwhile, Gary Cahill is dealing with an Achilles problem. That leaves the Blues with just Andreas Christensen and David Luiz as their healthy centre-backs.

And on the other end of the pitch, they are also running short of wide forwards. Teenager Callum Hudson-Odoi unfortunately ruptured his Achilles recently, while Willian is still dealing with a knock he suffered in their draw against Manchester United.

Those injuries likely mean that Maurizio Sarri will be unable to rotate his squad against Watford following their midweek first-leg match against Eintracht Frankfurt.

But at least the Blues will be at home against Watford. Chelsea have gone undefeated in their last eight home matches, with five wins and three draws.

Chelsea conceded twice in a surprising 2-2 draw against Burnley in their last home assignment. But in general, the Blues’ defence has been outstanding at home. They’ve let in just 12 goals at home all season, which is tied for the second-best home defensive record in the Premier League.

Premier League: Watford's goal is to threat Chelsea in winning at Stamford Bridge — Javi Gracia prepares his side as they visit Chelsea in Stamford Bridge

Watford’s top-six woes

By all accounts, it’s been quite a successful season for Watford. They have been at the upper half of the table for most of the season and have been right there in the race for the title of “best of the rest” behind the top six. And they also have the chance for some silverware as they prepare for the FA Cup final.

However, the Hornets’ Premier League 2019 results against those top six sides in the league have been quite awful. After beating Tottenham at home back in September, they have lost their last 10 matches against the top six.

With the FA Cup final coming up in a couple weeks’ time, it remains to be seen just how hard the Hornets will push to win this match away to Chelsea. There have already been some signs that they’re taking their foot off the gas just a bit following a draw against Southampton and defeat to Wolves — both at home.

With Chelsea’s midweek European commitments, Watford will have a golden opportunity to at least snap their long losing skid against the top six sides in this match — if they are well and truly up for it.

History

Chelsea and Watford have met 22 times in their history. The Blues have won 12 of those matches, the Hornets have won six, with four draws.

Chelsea have the significant edge in terms of recent meetings, winning 10 of the last 13 matches in all competitions (two draws, one loss).

Moreover, Chelsea have gone undefeated in their last six home games against Watford (four wins, two draws). They’ve scored at least four goals in each of their last two home meetings.

Betting Tip

	Chelsea vs Watford	Double Chance Watford or Draw @ 2.67
	May 5, 21:00 (GMT+8)

Chelsea have not fared particularly well in Premier League matches that have come immediately after a midweek Europa League assignment. In fact, they’ve failed to win their last five league games in those situations (three losses, two draws). Those two draws came at home against Wolves and Burnley.

And while Watford have struggled against the top six, they are probably not as bad as the results might say. With their FA Cup final closing in, they might just see this Chelsea match as a nice warm-up for City and raise their level of play.

If they do, they should be able to pick up a positive result at Stamford Bridge against a potentially fatigued and shorthanded Chelsea side. The SBOBET odds on a Watford win or draw are enticingly priced at 2.73, while a draw in the 1X2 market is 4.60.