Preview: Chelsea head to Watford looking to build on encouraging start

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Diego Costa scored both of Chelsea’s goals in a 2-2 draw with Watford last Boxing Day

After last season’s dreadful start, Monday’s high-tempo, dramatic derby victory against West Ham was a hugely encouraging way for Chelsea to begin life under Antonio Conte. Now they face their first league away game under the Italian, looking to make it two wins out of two. 

Kick-off: 3pm, Saturday 20 August 2016
Referee: Jonathan Moss (Horsforth, West Yorkshire)
Five key battles: Including Diego Costa v Sebastian Prodl
BetVictor.com preview: Chelsea should be too good for Watford
Vital statistic: Chelsea are undefeated in their last 10 matches against Watford in all competitions – the Hornets’ last win came in September 1999.

Injuries and suspensions
WATFORD
Ruled out: Ben Watson (suspended).
Fitness tests: Brice Dja Djedje (foot), Isaac Success (hamstring).

CHELSEA
Ruled out: Kurt Zouma (knee), Marco van Ginkel (knee).
Possible starting line-ups

Watford: Gomes; Cathcart, Prodl, Britos; Amrabat, Guedioura, Behrami, Capoue, Holebas; Ighalo, Deeney.
Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Kante; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa.

 Facts and figures
FORM GUIDE (last five league matches)
Watford: D D L L W (5 points) • Home: D W D L L (5 points)
Chelsea: W D D L D (6 points) • Away: D L W L W (7 points)

TOP SCORERS (league only)
Watford – 1: Capoue.
Chelsea – 1: Costa, Hazard.

LAST FIVE MEETINGS
3 Feb 2016: Watford 0 QPR 0
26 Dec 2015: Chelsea 2 Watford 2
4 Jan 2015: Chelsea 3 Watford 0
3 Jan 2010: Chelsea 5 Watford 0
14 Feb 2009: Watford 1 Chelsea 3
Watford 0 wins, Chelsea 3 wins, 2 draws

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