WATFORD need to start getting some wins on the board to avoid being cut adrift at the foot of the Premier League but it would be a big shock if they claimed one when Chelsea come calling.
Frank Lampard's exciting young side are building up quite a head of steam, winning seven games in a row before that fine run ended with Wednesday's League Cup defeat by Manchester United.
The most impressive of those victories was a Champions League triumph in Amsterdam against Ajax but I was just as impressed with the 4-2 triumph at Burnley that followed it up.
I thought Sean Dyche's side would get something from Chelsea on the back of their draining European match but the Blues swept the Clarets away at Turf Moor.
I flagged up Christian Pulisic as the best bet for a Blues goal in Burnley off the back of a fine cameo in Amsterdam but the American exceeded all expectations by grabbing a hat-trick.
Much was made of Chelsea's transfer ban after Lampard took over but it's now becoming clear his squad is packed with talent, with youngsters Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and Callum Hudson-Odoi revelling in the responsibility the new manager has handed them.
Lampard's reliance on youth will probably lead to a few dips in form throughout the season, as witnessed by the midweek defeat by Manchester United at home.
But the Blues boss fielded a weakened team for that League Cup clash and I can't see them slipping up back on league duty against a Watford side devoid of confidence.
The Hornets' only wins this season have come in the League Cup and both those matches were against lower-league opposition in the shape of Coventry and Swansea.
They faced Everton in the same competition on Tuesday and duly crashed out, with former boss Marco Silva gaining some Goodison respite with a timely 2-0 triumph.
Silva is one of eight managers to have graced the Watford dugout in the last five years, with Javi Gracia the latest to be axed by their trigger-happy board.
Quique Sanches Flores returned for a second stint at the helm after Gracia's departure and it looked like he might get the Hornets back on the up when they came from 2-0 down to claim a thrilling 2-2 draw at home to Arsenal.
But that was followed by an 8-0 thrashing at Manchester City and Watford have scored just one goal in their last five Premier League games, summing up their malaise.
Their last three league matches have ended in stalemates, which may tempt a few punters into backing a draw here at 10/3 with Unibet. However, I'm tipping the Chelsea feelgood factor to continue, with Lampard's side a best 71/100 with Marathonbet.
Those odds are pretty poor for an away game so try backing a Chelsea win with both teams to score, which is 21/10 with Bet365. Despite Watford's troubles in front of goal, the Blues still look vulnerable at the back, as witnessed by the two late goals Burnley bagged last weekend.
Since that thrashing by City, the Hornets have tightened things up and their last four league games have seen a total of just four goals scored. Under 2.5 goals is 71/50 with Marathonbet for this one but I'm a little wary of piling on that with Chelsea in such fine scoring form.
Cards might be the market to dabble in, with Watford's last two league games seeing a total of 13 yellows. Over 3.5 cards is 4/5 with Bet365 and that looks decent value.
Greek full-back Jose Holevas seems the prime candidate for a booking, having picked up five yellows already this season. He's 2/1 with Unibet for a card here and I'll be having a nibble on that, with Holevas most likely up against the pacy Hudson-Odoi.
In the goalscorer market, I'm drawn to Chelsea midfielder Mount, who is 12/5 with Paddy Power to score at any time. Three of his four goals this term have come in away league games so that suggests he may be due another here.
This English Premier League match between Watford and Chelsea will be played on Nov 2, 2019 and kick off at 17:30. Check below for our tipsters best Watford vs Chelsea prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
Watford vs Chelsea Betting Tips & Predictions
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