Watford vs Chelsea team news: Eden Hazard drops to the bench

Hazard had returned in the FA Cup win over MK Dons

Tom Sheen
Wednesday 03 February 2016 14:39 EST
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Chelsea forward Eden Hazard finally scored
Chelsea forward Eden Hazard finally scored (Getty Images)

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Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink has decided to drop Eden Hazard back to the bench despite his impressive performance against MK Dons in the FA Cup at the weekend.

The move means that the Dutchman continues with the same XI that beat Arsenal at the Emirates 1-0 just over a week ago.

There is also no sign of new boy Alexandre Pato who has not been deemed fit enough even for a place on the bench - the Brazilian last played in November and is short of match fitness.

Kurt Zouma and Cesar Azpilicueta return after resting on Sunday.

For Watford, new signing Mario Suarez is not in the starting line-up, despite Chelsea loanee Nathan Ake being ineligible.

Manager Quique Sanchez Flores has decided to start Jose Holebas in place of Ake.

The Spanaird has made one other change, also to the defence with Sebastian Prodl in for Miguel Britos.

TEAMS

Watford: Gomes, Paredes, Prodl, Cathcart, Holebas, Behrami, Watson, Capoue, Jurado, Deeney, Ighalo.

Subs: Pantilimon, Nyom, Anya, Suarez, Guedioura, Abdi, Amrabat.

Chelsea: Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Azpilicueta; Mikel, Matic; Willian, Fabregas, Oscar; Diego Costa

Subs: Begovic, Cahill, Baba Rahman, Loftus-Cheek, Kenedy, Traore, Hazard

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