Watford v Chelsea: five key battles
Chelsea travel to Watford aiming to build on the victory against West Ham which opened their campaign. Here’s the five head-to-heads we believe might have the biggest impact on the result.
Diego Costa v Sebastian Prodl
Costa’s already been involved in his first controversy – Monday night’s challenge on West Ham keeper Adrian – but Chelsea boss Antonio Conte insists he is happy for the Spaniard to play on the edge. He certainly did that in February’s trip to Vicarage Road, when he was booked for a bust-up with Juan Carlos Paredes and shoved Sebastian Prodl in the back. Prodl had the last laugh with a clean sheet – but this may be an ongoing feud.
John Terry and Gary Cahill v Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo
Conte has marked out Deeney and Ighalo as Watford’s chief threats, and it will be up to Terry and Cahill to keep them quiet. The Hornets’ strike pair scored 32 goals between them in all competitions and work very well together – it will need Chelsea’s two centre-halves to be a little bit more reliable than they were this time last year.
Cesar Azpilicueta v Nordin Amrabat
After Baba Rahman’s departure, there has been talk of Conte being in the market for a left-back to challenge Azpilicueta – or allow him to switch to his more natural right-back role and replace Branislav Ivanovic. Either way, the Spaniard will be keen to impress knowing he may come under pressure. His next task is to deal with Watford wing-back Amrabat, recruited from Malaga in January, who likes to attack his man.
Oscar or Cesc Fabregas v Etienne Capoue
Fabregas was only on the bench against West Ham, prompting speculation around his future which won’t die down if Oscar keeps his place. Whoever takes the advanced midfield role will come up against former Tottenham man Capoue, who impressed with his bite in the Hornets’ 1-1 draw at Southampton on the opening weekend.
Willian v Jose Holebas
The stand-out Chelsea player of last season, Willian will be keen to build on Monday’s good performance with a starring role against Watford. Holebas, a German-born Greek international with Uruguayan roots and a father named Achilles, will be the man tasked with stopping him.
