At the start of the 2015/2016 Premier League campaign, if anyone had stated that Watford, who were in the Championship last term, would be ranked higher in the table than Chelsea, who are currently the reigning Premier League champions, they would have raised quite a few eyebrows. Yet, after 23 rounds, the Hornets are in the top ten, whilst the Blues are just seven points away from the drop zone.
Watford
So far, Quique Sanchez Flores's side has earned 32 points from their first 23 matches, which is the best record at this point for a promoted side since the 2009/2010 season, in which Birmingham City picked up 34 points. However, after their draw against Chelsea on December 26th, the Hornets suffered a four-match losing streak which temporarily saw them drop out of the top ten, but they arrested this downward trend with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Newcastle United last month.
Watford will also be feeling confident after powering past Nottingham Forest in their FA Cup fourth round match, courtesy of a goal from their leading goal-scorer Odion Ighalo. The Nigerian international has been in top form for the Hornets, as he has contributed to all but ten of the team's 27 goals (14 goals, three assists) and his manager will be relying on his efforts when they take on Chelsea later today.
The hosts have not defeated the Blues since September 18, 1999 and their draw last December was the first time they were able to take anything away from the London giants in their past seven meetings across all competitions.
Chelsea
The Blues might have crushed MK Dons 5-1 to maintain their unbeaten record under Guus Hiddink, but the biggest story for Chelsea fans worldwide is that veteran defender John Terry will be playing his last games for the club. Having made nearly 700 appearances at the club, where he spent all but one year of his professional career, the team's iconic skipper could be hanging up his boots elsewhere after it was revealed that he had not been offered a contract extension.
Still, despite this, Hiddink indicated that the long-serving defender may still remain with the club in some capacity:
Since the Dutch tactician's arrival, the the Blues have not lost any of their nine matches across all competitions, but they are a long ways off from a top-four finish. The London giants, who have 28 points from their opening 23 matches, have not managed to win two consecutive league games all season and whilst they remain unbeaten, they have posted quite a few draws that have seen them drop valuable points they desperately need.
In an attempt to improve things, Chelsea opted to dive into this January's transfer market, with American international Matt Miazga being signed from MLS side NY Red Bulls for a reported £3,500,000 and former AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato on a six month loan deal from Brazilian outfit Corinthians.
Which channel is broadcasting Watford vs Chelsea on TV or Online?
Watford managed to hold Chelsea to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day, and the Hornets will be hoping to match or better that result at Vicarage Road later today in front of their home fans. The hosts could pose a serious test for Guus Hiddink's side, and LiveSoccerTV.com is here to make sure that fans do not miss out on any of the action.
Here are some options to catch the game via TV, computer, phone, or tablet for supporters residing in the following countries:
- In the USA at 14.45 EST on: NBCSN, NBC Sports Live Extra, Westwood One Sports, SiriusXM FC, NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra
- In the UK at 19.45 GMT on: BT Sport 1, BT Sport Ultra HD, BT Sport Live Streaming
- In Canada at 14.45 ET on: Sportsnet West, Sportsnet World Now, Sportsnet Ontario, Sportsnet East, Sportsnet Pacific
Live elsewhere? Check out our special Watford vs Chelsea broadcast page for viewing times and options for wherever you call home.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
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