please log in to view this image Watford v Chelsea please log in to view this image 26th December 2018 Vicarage Road Stadium Kick Off 1930 GMT please log in to view this image Watford suffered a downturn in form as the weather got colder earlier this year, but their performance at the weekend was a hint that they’re over the worst of their winter blues. They beat the in form West Ham 2-0 at the London Stadium, following on from their 3-2 win over Cardiff the weekend before, to push them all the way back up to 7th in the Premier League table. These consecutive victories came after a bleak 6 match winless streak in the Premier League, and Javi Gracia can relax a bit this Christmas having brought confidence back to the squad at Vicarage Road. However, they’re facing a Chelsea side baying for a comeback on Boxing Day. The Blues were shocked at home to Leicester on Saturday, losing at Stamford Bridge for the first time under Maurizio Sarri and leaving them 11 points adrift of the Premier League leaders Liverpool. This was The Blues 3rd league defeat in their last 6 outings, and at the moment they simply don’t look good enough to challenge at the top of the table. 2 of these 3 recent defeats have come away from home too, so Watford do pose a significant threat to Chelsea here. What we can hope for is an entertaining game though. The last 3 meetings between Watford and Chelsea have seen an absurd 19 goals, and 5 of the last 6 have seen at least 3 goals scored in total. Team news Watford look set to face Chelsea with the same squad they had available for Saturday’s 2-0 victory over West Ham United. Andre Gray, Will Hughes, Adalberto Penaranda and Sebastian Prodl all missed the trip to the London Stadium and Javi Gracia does not expect any of the quartet to be available. ENJOY THE GAME WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE WORLD please log in to view this image
I'm a bit sad that neither Gray nor Hughes have made it back (especially the latter). Hopefully they have a chance of being fit for the Newcastle game. It wouldn't be an issue but the gaffer seems to get all the players to give 100% and some look a bit knackered before the 90 mins is up. And I get the feeling those subs at the Vic will be really vital (unless we are 3-0 up of course ) As OFH said, should be a cracking game, and while it will be tough, if we win it no one will say it is a big surprise. But I could see a 2-2 draw And with both Bournemouth and Leicester having fixtures they may get little from that should leave us 7th/8th. But as long as we have at least 30 points come year end I'll be happy. Glad to say with La Liga on hols (not back till 3rd Jan) I can watch the 'orns on the big screen in the bar. Enjoy one and all.
Last season, they came to the Vic having just lost a home match without scoring. kchorn, from what I've seen of Hughes, he either needs to be played on the left or the middle. He is so one-footed it is ridiculous - opposition full-backs don't even try and show him down the line on his right foot, they allow him to come inside and he ends up not being able to get a pass or shot away, as he's already been closed down. It wouldn't really be such an issue if he had pace.
Yup I see that as fair criticism but a counter-balance, when the ball is with the opposition in open play he's the first one closing down the player with the ball, winning the ball, playing a trick or two, and then getting it to a fellow player. I like to see him on for the last 15 to 20 mins. 10 hours to go
Good evening all I hope you had a good day yesterday, ours was relaxed with good food, some imbibition and no PC/phone/tablet at all. I was hoping for no books as I have enough to read but I got more books than normal this year. Enjoy the game and lets hope for another Christmas present but if not a great performance again. I have this stream up and it looks ok so far. http://mamacdn.com/link.php?asad=http://emb.aplayer1.me/player/live.php?id=73864&w=700&h=480 Enjoy the game all. COYH!!!
