Chelsea start David Luiz and Tiemoue Bakayoko against Watford
The ESPN FC crew look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixtures, focusing on the tough task facing Watford at Stamford Bridge. Craig Burley says Chelsea players should sit down with Antonio Conte to discuss their issues, not go to the press.
David Luiz and Tiemoue Bakayoko start for Chelsea against Watford despite picking up knocks during Wednesday's 3-3 draw with Roma in the Champions League.
Antonio Conte makes two changes to that team, with Antonio Rudiger replacing Andreas Christensen and Pedro Rodriguez coming in for Davide Zappacosta in a return to the 3-4-3 system that won Chelsea the Premier League title last season.
David Luiz drops back into the centre of the defensive line after being deployed at the base of midfield against Roma, while Azpilicueta is likely to shift to right wing-back in the absence of Zappacosta.
Conte admitted on Friday that Cesc Fabregas could be his only fit central midfielder to face Watford, but Bakayoko is deemed fit enough to partner him despite playing the second half against Roma with pain in his groin.
Chelsea Watford 11:30 AM UTC Game Details Home: 4/11 Draw: 17/4 Away: 17/2 Odds from bet365 bet365 PickCenter GameCast Lineups and Stats
N'Golo Kante and Victor Moses remain sidelined with hamstring injuries, while deadline-day signing Danny Drinkwater is still yet to rejoin full training at Cobham as a lingering calf problem delays his Chelsea debut.
Fourth-placed Watford, meanwhile, made one change, with Troy Deeney coming into the attack in place of Demarai Gray.
Chelsea team: Courtois; Rudiger, David Luiz, Cahill (c); Azpilicueta, Bakayoko, Fabregas, Alonso; Pedro, Morata, Hazard. #CHEWAT pic.twitter.com/VQmlsHLUvq
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 21, 2017
Chelsea starting XI: Courtois, Rudiger, David Luiz, Cahill, Azpilicueta, Bakayoko, Fabregas, Alonso, Pedro, Morata, Hazard.
Chelsea substitutes: Caballero, Christensen, Ampadu, Zappacosta, Musonda, Willian, Batshuayi.
Watford starting XI: Gomes; Mariappa, Kabasele, Britos, Femenia, Cleverley, Doucoure, Holebas, Pereyra, Deeney, Richarlison.
Watford substitutes: Karnezis, Wague, Janmaat, Watson, Capoue, Carrillo, Gray.
Liam is ESPN FC's Chelsea correspondent. Follow him on Twitter: @Liam_Twomey.
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Source: espn.co.uk
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