There is a lot on the line for Chelsea FC this weekend when they host Watford FC for a Sunday matinee. A victory, plus an Arsenal and Manchester United win, seals fourth place for the Blues and with that a place in the UEFA Champions League.
You really got to like Chelsea’s chances in this one as the Hornets have not triumphed in west London in twenty years, with their best result a draw in 2015. In the overall series, Watford have lost 10 and won just once in their last 13 meetings.
Given that recent history, it’s easy to see why Chelsea are so heavily favored in this one. If you look at most Sports Betting Offers, you’ll them backed typically with odds around 2/5, whilst a draw is offered in the range of around 15/4. The visitors are long shots, as Watford are usually priced at 6/1 for this one. Google’s result probability paints a similar picture, projecting chances for a Chelsea win at 68%, a draw at 20% and a Watford victory at 12%.
Chelsea come into this match pretty fit, with winger Callum Hudson-Odoi and central defender Antonio Rudiger the only injury absentees here. Both have been ruled out for what little remains of this season.
Flipping over to the visitors, central defender Craig Cathcart is a doubt after after getting hurt against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, while midfielder Domingos Quina is done for the campaign after having underwent shoulder surgery.
Watford FC at Chelsea FC FYIs
Kickoff- Sunday May 5, Stamford Bridge 2pm
Chelsea starting XI Prediction: go to this link
Form guide: Chelsea DDLWW Watford LDWLW
Prediction: Chelsea 2, Watford 1
Yes, the Blues have had major motivational issues this season, as manager Maurizio Sarri has articulated, but that shouldn’t be an issue here; at all.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, the author of “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry,” regularly appears on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, also contributes to Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.