Chelsea welcome Watford to Stamford Bridge to conclude their Premier League campaign for the 2021/22 season.
These sides played out an even contest in the reverse fixture in December, with Thomas Tuchel’s men claiming a narrow victory courtesy of Hakim Ziyech’s late strike.
Both sides having nothing to play for in the final gameweekof the season; Watford have already been relegated whilst Chelsea clinched automatic Champions League qualification following Arsenal’s loss at St James’ Park on Monday.
The Visitors – Watford :
Watford’s return to the top-flight has been short-lived and typically blighted by managerial sackings. Roy Hodgson, who somewhat resembles a dying Jedi when observing his side’s struggles on the pitch, has already confirmed he will retire after this weekend’s conclusion.
The Hornets failed to gather any form of consistency and had flirted with relegation throughout the season. Serious working practice questions need to be addressed if they are to avoid the same fortunes in future Premier League campaigns.
Watford have Tom Cleverly available for selection following a rib injury, whilst Kiko Femenía and Joshua King have both recovered from illness.
Peter Etebo is a certain absentee after picking up an injury in training, while Emmanuel Dennis, Shaq Forde, Juraj Kucka, Imrân Louza, and Sarr remain unavailable.
Chelsea Team News 🗞
Chelsea will be hoping to address their awful home record that ultimately cost them major ground in the Premier League; Thursday’s draw against Leicester made it eight wins from eighteen in the league at Stamford Bridge.
However, with third-place secured in the Premier League, barring a three-point and 18-goal swing as Tottenham travel to Norwich, Thomas Tuchel has instead hinted that he may rotate his side and giving some of those on the fringes of the squad a rare opportunity.
One man who is expected to miss out is Mateo Kovacic, with the midfielder unlikely to be risked as he recovers from an ankle injury, while Andreas Christensen has probably made his last Chelsea appearance after pulling out of last weekend’s FA Cup Final against Liverpool.
Ben Chilwell is back in training, after his long absence following surgery on his torn ACL, though Chelsea fans will have to wait until pre-season to see the left-back return to action. Callum Hudson-Odoi likewise remains out with a seemingly long-term achilles problem.
The likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga and Saul Niguez will be hoping for end-of-season appearances, whilst there could be the prospect for some of the youth players to break into the first team. Expect another low-key performance between two sides who have been lacking in both impetus and quality in recent weeks.
Predicted line-up (3-4-3): Kepa; Azpilicueta, Rüdiger, Sarr; James, Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Saul; Mount, Havertz, Werner.
Academy players such as Harvey Vale, Charlie Webster, Lewis Hall and Xavier Simons could see some action, but I think off the bench.
Prediction for this game is… 2-1 Chelsea.
A low-stakes affair with minimal intensity will ensue, with Chelsea given another first half scare courtesy of a Watford opener. The Blues will however recover and end a challenging season with victory
