Chelsea vs Watford as it happened: Champions come from behind to beat Hornets at the death
Re-live all the action from the Premier League clash
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Your support makes all the difference.Chelsea host London rivals Watford on Saturday as they look to bounce back from a recent dip in form.
Antonio Conte's men have not won in their last three games and currently sit nine points behind league leaders Manchester City.
Chelsea take on an in-form Watford side who have 15 points to their name in fourth.
David Luiz and Tiemoue Bakayoko join Chelsea’s growing injury list while Younes Kaboul and Sebastian Prodl remain absent for Watford.
Follow all the live action below...
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What time does it start?
The game kicks off at 12.30pm on Saturday 21 October at Stamford Bridge.
Where can I watch it?
The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event. Coverage starts at 11.30am.
It’s a big game for?
Antonio Conte. It says all you need to know about the state of the modern game but the pressure is on for the Italian – especially with Roman Roman Abramovich as your boss. Chelsea have not won in three and are showing signs of a pre-Christmas wobble. The Blues have their hands full against a high-flying Watford team and only a win will be enough to restore some calm and order to the Bridge.
Player to watch?
Eden Hazard. The Belgian failed to impress against Crystal Palace last week but was the hero in blue on Wednesday night as he salvaged his side a precious point at home against Roma. Fans will have their fingers crossed that the right Hazard turns up and, if he does, Watford should be in for a difficult time.
Head-to-head:
Chelsea 4 Watford 3, Premier League, May 2017
Watford 1 Chelsea 2, Premier League, August 2016
Watford 0 Chelsea 0, Premier League, February 2016
Form:
Chelsea: DLLWW
Watford: WDWLW
Odds:
Chelsea to win: 4/11
Draw: 14/1
Watford to win: 17/2
40' - Jose Holebas whips a decent-looking cross in towards Troy Deeney but David Luiz gets to the ball ahead of the striker to clear it away.
40' - Good save! Cesc Fabregas tests Heurelho Gomes with a rasping drive from distance and the Brazilian is equal to it, palming the ball behind for a corner.
45' - Abdoulaye Doucoure sparks a Watford counter-attack with a good pass to Roberto Pereyra but the opportunity goes to waste as the Argentine is tackled by David Luiz midway into the Chelsea half.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-1 Watford (Doucoure)
45+2' - A Jose Holebas long throw-in wreaks havoc in the Chelsea defence and the ball bounces back to Abdoulaye Doucoure, who lashes the ball in at Thibaut Courtois' near post from 12 yards.
Half-time - Jon Moss brings the opening period to a close. What a finish to the half for the visitors.
46' - Close! Cesar Azpilicueta delivers a testing cross in towards Alvaro Morata at the far post but Adrian Mariappa gets an imporant block in, just about managing to hook the ball over the crossbar.
48' - What a miss! Kiko Femenia bombs down the right wing before putting the ball on a plate for Richarlison with an inch-perfect low cross. However, the Brazilian slices the ball wide with the goal gaping!
GOAL! Chelsea 1-2 Watford (Pereyra)
49' - Richarlison won't feel too bad now!
Watford break in numbers and it's Roberto Pereyra whose composed finish from Richarlison's measured pass beats Thibaut Courtois and gives the visitors the lead for the first time this afternoon.
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