Most Chelsea supporters would expect a trip up the M1 to Watford (or a trip up the Metropolitan line) to hold no terrors and a hat full of goals to boot. Then of course we had last season which has all given us pause.
But looking at the recent stats between the two is somewhat surprising. Do not expect a goal fest!
Watford v Chelsea Home & Away:
After their decent early season form last year tailed off, it is not a surprise to see that Watford’s last 20 at home is not too impressive, winning only 4 and losing 11 and conceding 31 goals in the process. Chelsea’s last 6 overall is ok – only losing one and winning 2. They have won 8, drawn 9 and lost only 1 of their last 20 away games. They scored 38 whilst conceding 25 goals in those 20 games.
As you would expect Watford have fared slightly better at home in their last 6 – winning 1, drawing 3 and losing 2 whilst winning 6 of their last 20 at home, drawing 7 and losing 7. Goals for and against are roughly equal at 21 for and 20 against. Chelsea’s last 6 away give 3 wins, a draw and 2 defeats is better than Watfords but less consistent than Chelsea supporters have been used to. Their last 20 away gives even more cause for concern with 7 wins, 5 draws and 8 defeats and like Watford roughly equal goals for (27) and goals against (26).
So, looking at the stats a low scoring draw might be on the cards
Watford v Chelsea Recent Meetings:
This would seem to borne out by the three previous meetings between the two sides at Watford, with one 1-0 win a piece and a 0-0 draw. The smart money would be on under 2.5 goals if you fancy a bet.
Watford v Chelsea Form Guide:
However, Kick Off’s 10 game ultimate form guide reveals a slightly different story and one more palatable for Chelsea supporters hoping for a second win this season for Conte’s Blue & White Army.
In the head to head form guide, Chelsea edge Watford in games won; games lost; goals for; goals against; scoring first; shots ; shots per goal; conversion rate on both attack and defence.
With Hazard back to his scintillating best; both he and Costa already on the score sheet and Kante mopping up everything in front of what looked like a more solid defence Chelsea supporters can feel confident of getting a result. However, Watford got a good draw against Southampton last weekend with Capoue impressive. Troy Deeney will be his usual annoying and belligerent self, so Chelsea should not take the Hornets lightly – if they do they might get stung.
My prediction Watford 0 Chelsea 2
Premier League stats from KickOff
