Chelsea have managed to enjoy a revival since the appointment of Guus Hiddink as manager and they enjoyed a fruitful week, with victories over Arsenal and MK Dons.
Hiddink has certainly managed to bring about a more positive morale to Stamford Bridge but there is no denying that Chelsea have a very long way to go in order to earn a European placed finish this season.
There is plenty of time for Chelsea to go on a good run of results to propel them up the table but it is easier said than done in the Premier League and the clash away to Watford on Wednesday night is set to be another huge test for the defending champions.
Here is the strongest possible lineup for Chelsea on the night –
Goalkeeper
Asmir Begovic was surprisingly not handed a start in the FA Cup victory over MK Dons and it seems like Hiddink is set to entrust his faith on Thibaut Courtois for all competitions this season.
Courtois did not have much to do during Chelsea’s last two encounters against Arsenal and MK Dons but one can be sure that he will face a tough battle against the likes of Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo on Wednesday night.
Defence
John Terry dropped a bombshell recently by stating that he will be leaving Chelsea at the end of the season and the announcement certainly comes as a shock to many.
Nonetheless, it should not affect Terry’s participation during the current campaign and the stalwart is set to start alongside Kurt Zouma, who was handed a rest over the weekend in favour of Gary Cahill.
Abdul Baba Rahman was also provided a rare start in the FA Cup but Cesar Azpilicueta should be reinstated into the lineup, with Branislav Ivanovic occupying the right full back position.
Midfield
Eden Hazard and Oscar ran riot against MK Dons and the duo will most likely retain their place in the attacking midfield positions alongside Willian, who is set to make a return ahead of Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
John Obi Mikel has proven to be a mainstay in the Chelsea lineup since the appointment of Hiddink and the Nigerian should make a return to the lineup at the expense of Nemanja Matic to start alongside Cesc Fabregas at the heart of the midfield.
Attack
Diego Costa did not enjoy the best of games against MK Dons but he will be keen on building on his winning goal against Arsenal by putting a good display in the encounter with Watford as well.
(4-2-3-1)
Via – Lineup Builder
