How will Chelsea line up against Watford?

Maurizio Sarri does not have any fresh injury concerns from Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Eintracht Frankfurt, with only three first-team players continuing to remain on the treatment table. Antonio Rudiger (knee) and Callum Hudson-Odoi (Achilles) have seen their campaigns being brought to a premature halt.

Gary Cahill also remains unavailable due to a short-term Achilles complaint, but he would not have been in contention anyway. In addition to the aforementioned trio, Sarri is sweating over the fitness of Willian, who is struggling with a knock.

With the Brazilian being an important part of the Europa League campaign, chances are Sarri will not risk the winger on Sunday and leave him on the bench till it’s absolutely necessary to introduce him. In Willian’s place, Eden Hazard is expected to come into the side, in what could be the final home league game for the Belgian.

Joining Hazard in the Chelsea attacking unit should be Pedro and Gonzalo Higuain, with the latter replacing fellow struggling striker Olivier Giroud. In the middle of the park, Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be given a breather ahead of the key return leg fixture against Eintracht Frankfurt next week.

In his place, Ross Barkley will hope to be handed a place in the starting lineup to face Watford, with Jorginho and N’Golo Kante expected to hold on to their spots. At the back, Emerson Palmieri’s struggles in the European clash should mean Marcos Alonso will be recalled in the left-back slot.

The remaining four spots in the side are unlikely to see any shuffles, with Rudiger’s absence forcing Sarri to field David Luiz and Andreas Christensen at the heart of the Chelsea defence, while Cesar Azpilicueta remains a certain starter on the right flank. Behind the defence, there is no looking past Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Chelsea probable line-up: Kepa, Alonso, Luiz, Christensen, Azpilicueta, Barkley, Jorginho, Kante, Hazard, Higuain, Pedro.