The Chelsea Lineup That Should Start Against Watford

With the season drawing to a close, there is still plenty to play for for Frank Lampard's Chelsea.


The Blues currently sit in fourth place - two points clear of Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, with both of those sides playing earlier. in the day, Chelsea could find themselves outside of the Champions League places by the time they step out onto the pitch to face Watford on Saturday.


Andriy Yarmolenko's late goal cranked up the pressure on Chelsea, as the chasing pack are now within touching distance

Prior to Wednesday's defeat at the London Stadium, Chelsea had a perfect record since the restart, beating Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Leicester City. However, the impressive form of Man Utd and Wolves has left little margin for error for the west London side. Lampard will be desperate for a win to ease any nerves.


Here is how Chelsea could line up against Watford.



1. Goalkeeper and Defenders

Antonio Rudiger came under criticism for his performance against West Ham

Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK) - The Spaniard has come under fire this season, and has been constantly linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge. However, having started every league fixture since the restart, expect him to keep his place.

Cesar Azpilicueta (RB) - Versatile defender Cesar Azpilicueta is likely to start at right-back for Chelsea ahead of English youngster Reece James. The former Marseille man picked up two assists in the comeback victory over Aston Villa in June.

Antonio Rudiger (CB) - The German international was subjected to a lot of criticism following his performance against West Ham on Wednesday. However, having played every minute of Chelsea's last six games, manager Lampard clearly trusts in the 27 year-old, so expect him to start.

Andreas Christensen (CB) - Christensen is likely to partner Rudiger for the fourth league game in a row. The Dane is still waiting for his first goal in a Chelsea shirt, having not scored in 95 appearances for the Blues in all competitions.

Marcos Alonso (LB) - Attacking full-back Marcos Alonso is expected to retain his place in the side. Alonso averages a goal contribution every 188 minutes in the league this season.



2. Midfielders

Croatian Kovacic has been one of Chelsea's best players this season

N'Golo Kante (CM) - The French World Cup winner has struggled to hit the exceptional standards he has set for himself this season. Despite this, he is just one goal short of his best ever league tally, having played significantly fewer games than usual.

Mateo Kovacic (CM) - Former Real Madrid man Mateo Kovacic has been fantastic for Chelsea in. his second season at the club. Kovacic is fifth in the Premier League for most successful dribbles, behind Adama Traore, Wilfried Zaha, Allan Saint-Maximin, and Emiliano Buendia (Via Squawka).

Mason Mount (CM)
- After being benched for the defeat to West Ham, Mount is expected to return to the starting lineup for Saturday. The 21 year-old is Chelsea's fourth top scorer in the league this season with six goals.



3. Forwards

Chelsea's 'Captain America' has made an encouraging return to football

Willian (RW) - Brazilian winger Willian has been in good form lately, having scored five goals and notched two further assists in his last six appearances. Should he net on Saturday, it will confirm his best ever goalscoring season in the league, surpassing the eight he scored in 16/17.

Tammy Abraham (ST) - Chelsea's top scorer will be looking to get back among the goals, having blanked in each of his last nine appearances in all competitions. The young England international recorded a goal and an assist in the reverse fixture at Vicarage Road back in November.

Christian Pulisic (LW) - Averaging a goal or an assist every 143 minutes in the league this season, the American has enjoyed an encouraging debut season at Stamford Bridge. Pulisic bagged goals in the wins against Aston Villa and Manchester City in June, as well as winning the penalty for Willian's first goal against West Ham.




Source : 90min