Fans’ choice Chelsea lineup against Watford: Higuaín, Alonso to support Hazard in final home PL game

With Tottenham dropping points on Saturday, Chelsea have been afforded a golden opportunity to leapfrog them into third place ahead of next weekend’s final round of play in the Premier League. But in order to do that, we must first beat the Hornets, who should not be underestimated. Will we see much rotation?

THE PREDICTED LINEUP

In goal, there are only two words: Kepa and Arrizabalaga. That is all.

We might see some rotation in the forward positions, but I highly doubt that Gary Cahill is anywhere near the starting lineup, to trouble David Luiz or Andreas Christensen. César Azpilicueta starts as always, while Marcos Alonso will probably rotate in at left back for Emerson.

As in defense, most of the positions are set, with Jorginho and N’Golo Kanté continuing to start. Rotation should be expected at the third midfield position, and I expect Ross Barkley to get a turn while Loftus-Cheek rotates out.

Only one of the three starers should retain their place in attack from Thursday, and my money is on Pedro. He’ll join Hazard and Higuaín, who rotate in after starting on the bench three days ago (with only Hazard featuring as a substitute).

4-3-3
Arrizabalaga | Alonso, David Luiz, Christensen, Azpilicueta | Barkley, Jorginho, Kanté | Hazard, Higuaín, Pedro

THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE

There were a few close calls in the WAGNH community’s preferred eleven, with Alonso surprisingly edging out Emerson (48%), Higuaín doing the same to Giroud (48%), and Pedro winning his duel with Willian (40%). Loftus-Cheek took a few hits thanks to his cramp on Thursday, but there’s no doubt about the rest of the preferred starting lineup.

4-3-3 (85%)
Arrizabalaga (97%) | Alonso (52%), David Luiz (97%), Christensen (97%), Azpilicueta (93%) | Loftus-Cheek (66%), Jorginho (84%), Kanté (94%) | Hazard (97%), Higuaín (53%), Pedro (60%)

MY PREFERRED LINEUP

I agree with the community’s choices for the most part, but I just can’t put Alonso ahead of Emerson, who may not have always made a lasting impression but is the more defensively sound choice of the two.

4-3-3
Arrizabalaga | Emerson, David Luiz, Christensen, Azpilicueta | Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Kanté | Hazard, Giroud, Pedro

COME ON YOU BLUES!!!