Hiddink drops Hazard, Mikel, Zouma to bench

Guus Hiddink makes just one change to the side which beat Sunderland 3-1 a week ago for his first game back in charge of the Blues, as Gary Cahill replaces Kurt Zouma in central defence.

Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic start as the two deep-lying midfielders, while Willian, Oscar and Pedro are tasked with supplying lone striker Diego Costa.

Having missed last week’s game through injury, Eden Hazard starts on the bench.

Nathan Ake, on loan at Watford from Stamford Bridge, is ineligible to play in today’s game.

Chelsea are expected to line up in the following 4-2-3-1 formation:

Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry (c), Azpilicueta; Fabregas, Matic; Willian, Oscar, Pedro; Diego Costa.

Substitutes: Begovic, Baba, Zouma, Mikel, Ramires, Hazard, Remy .

Watford are expected to line up in the following 4-2-3-1 formation:

Gomes; Nyom, Cathcart, Britos, Holebas; Capoue, Watson; Abdi, Deeney (c), Jurado; Ighalo.

Substitutes: Arlauskis, Prodl, Guedioura, Berghuis, Anya, Behrami, Diamanti.

Today’s referee is Andre Marriner.