Watford v Chelsea match preview 20th August 2016

Watford take on Chelsea at Vicarage Road this Saturday in The Hornets first competitive home fixture of the new Premier League season. Both sides started the season with new managers in the dugouts after Antonio Conte replaced Guss Hidink at the end of last season, whilst Watford boss Walter Mazzari joined the golden boys following Quique Sanchez Flores departure.

Watford started the season with a hard fought 1-1 draw at St Marys as they battled with 10 men to secure an opening day point. Like his opposite number Mazzari is experiencing his first season of English football and will hope to deliver a successful campaign in his maiden Premier League voyage. The Hornets had a good return to life in the Premier League last season finishing 13th just 5 points below Saturdays visitors but a poor second half of the season left Flores heading out of the ever revolving mangerial door at Vicarage Road. Mazzari will know that the Pozzo family will expect a strong second season and if he fails to at least match if not better last years efforts he could be next out of the door. 

The Blues travel to WD18 after a dramatic late home win against West Ham United and will be hoping they can maintain their 100% record at this early stage of the season. Conte who is experiencing his first taste of English football will be under pressure to deliver results from the off after a largely unsuccessful season for Chelsea last year which saw them finish 10th after winning the title the previous season. Chelsea could perhaps benefit from a season away from European competition and will be able to have a fresh squad for most of their league campaign which could bolster their title ambitions. They will be relying on star man Eden Hazard to have a spectacular campaign after he himself saw his efforts last year as below standard. He scored in their victory Monday night and will be the man to watch for Watford defensive wing backs as if he is given the time he wants he can single handedly win the game. 

The home side know that this is the start of a tricky run of fixtures where they face Manchester United and Arsenal at home and face a daunting trip to the Olympic Stadium (London stadium) to face West Ham United. So gaining points at home will be key if they want to cement a mid table place early on the season. 

It should be a thrilling encounter at Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon. 

Score prediction- I'll go for an optimistic 1-1 draw!!