How Chelsea could line up against Watford

Chelsea play host to Watford at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening having suffered their first defeat since the resumption earlier this week.

Despite taking the lead against West Ham United, the Blues eventually succumbed to a 3-2 defeat at the London Stadium, leaving the club one point adrift of third-placed Leicester City.

With Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers only two points adrift of the final Champions League spot, it leaves Frank Lampard's side under pressure heading into their showdown with the Hornets.

Here, Sports Mole predicts how Chelsea could line up for the meeting against their relegation-threatened opponents.

Doubtful: Mateo Kovacic (knock), Fikayo Tomori (muscle)

> Click here for Chelsea's latest injury and suspension news ahead of this match

As well as being justified in making numerous changes as a result of Chelsea's poor result in midweek, Lampard will also take tiredness into consideration ahead of a fifth game in under two weeks.

From a purely performance perspective, Antonio Rudiger finds himself at risk of losing his place in the centre of defence, potentially putting Kurt Zouma in line for a recall.

Having got 90 minutes under his belt against Leicester City last weekend, Emerson Palmieri should get the nod over Marcos Alonso at left-back.

A knock sustained by Mateo Kovacic may lead to Jorginho being handed his first minutes since the resumption, while Mason Mount will expect to get the nod over Ross Barkley.

After a poor display against West Ham, Tammy Abraham is likely to find himself back among the replacements, with Olivier Giroud getting another chance down the middle.

Although Willian and Christian Pulisic are arguably in need of a rest, the pair may continue on the flanks with Callum Hudson-Odoi having only just returned from injury.