Ross Barkley to start ahead of Mateo Kovacic? – Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea XI to face Watford

Predicted Chelsea XI to face Watford in the Premier League

Chelsea lost further ground on league leaders Liverpool as the Blues suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday.

Maurizio Sarri’s men are already 11 points behind Liverpool and the onus will be on them to turn their fortunes around when they make the trip to the Vicarage Road to face Watford on Wednesday night.

Watford claimed all three points with an impressive 2-0 win over West Ham in their previous outing and the Hornets will be looking to take advantage of Chelsea’s recent dip in form.

Team News

Victor Moses (lower back), Marco van Ginkel (knee) and Andreas Christensen (thigh) are all ruled out for the Boxing Day clash while Alvaro Morata is also doubtful to play a part due to a twisted knee.

Manager: Maurizio Sarri

Formation: 4-3-3

Predicted XI

1. Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK)

The Spaniard pulled off a wonderful save to deny Ndidi from range last week but could do nothing about Vardy’s winner.

2. Cesar Azpilicueta (RB)

The veteran had a decent outing against the Foxes last week and has always been a reliable presence at the back.

3. Antonio Rudiger (CB)

He didn’t make any notable errors in the last game but he could have done better to prevent the goal and Chelsea will need him to improve.

4. David Luiz (CB)

The Brazilian has blown hot and cold at the back this season but Sarri is likely to continue with him.

5. Marcos Alonso (LB)

The Spaniard has suffered a slump in form in recent weeks and he will be expected to step up on Boxing Day.

6. Jorginho (CDM)

The Italian has dictated the tempo of the game with his flawless passing and distribution from a deep position in the midfield and Sarri should continue to rely on him.

7. N’Golo Kante (RCM)

The Frenchman has added a lot of tactical awareness to his attacking game and was the pick of the midfielders in that 1-0 defeat.

8. Ross Barkley (LCM)

Kovacic didn’t have a great game against Leicester so Sarri might just rotate his squad and hand the Englishman a start.

9. Pedro (RW)

The Spaniard looked a bit off-colour in the previous outing and he will be expected to rise to the occasion against Watford.

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10. Willian (LW)

The Brazilian once again underwhelmed against the Foxes last week but Sarri has no other realistic choice.

11. Eden Hazard (ST)

The Belgian missed a guilt-edged chance last week and Chelsea will need him to fire on all cylinders if they are to beat Watford.