Kurt Zouma replaces Antonio Rudiger in the heart of defence, and Marcos Alonso makes way for Reece James. Cesar Azpilicueta is expected to shift to left-back.

In midfield, Mason Mount comes in for the injured Mateo Kovacic, and there is a start up front for Olivier Giroud, his third in four league games since the restart.

Watford’s side includes former Blue Nathaniel Chalobah.

Chelsea (4-3-3): Kepa; James, Christensen, Zouma, Azpilicueta (c); Barkley, Kante, Mount; Willian, Giroud, Pulisic.

Subs Caballero, Rudiger, Alonso, Jorginho, Gilmour, Loftus-Cheek, Hudson-Odoi, Pedro, Abraham.

Watford (4-2-3-1): Foster; Mariappa, Cathcart, Dawson, Femenia; Capoue, Chalobah; Sarr, Doucoure, Hughes; Deeney (c).

Subs Gomes, Cleverley, Welbeck, Masina, Cathcart, Pedro, Gray, Holebas, Pereyra.

Stats recap

Chelsea are seeking a fourth consecutive victory against the Hornets for the first time.

Chelsea have won six and lost one of our last seven Premier League games against Watford, seven games which have seen a combined 30 goals scored (4.28 per game), with the Blues netting 18 to Watford’s 12.

Watford have won just one of their last 12 Premier League meetings with Chelsea (two draws, nine defeats), winning 4-1 at Vicarage Road in February 2018.

Chelsea stats

Chelsea are aiming to win four consecutive home Premier League games for the first time since October-December 2017 when we achieved seven in a row when Antonio Conte was in charge.

Chelsea have lost four of our last five Premier League matches against teams starting the day 17th or lower in the division.

With his penalty on Wednesday, Willian reached eight Premier League goals for the season, equalling his previous best season in 2016/17.