BEN LEVENE (@BenLevene96) has scoured the markets ahead of Saturday's early Premier League kick-off as Chelsea host Watford.
Chelsea v Watford | Saturday 21st October 2017, 12:30 | Sky Sports
In Saturday’s early kick-off, in-form Watford travel to Premier League champions Chelsea, who have lost their last two in the league and are three without a win in all competitions.
All is not well at Chelsea. The issues surrounding Antonio Conte’s future and his relationship with the board haven’t gone away.
Conte has been publicly critical of his squad depth numerous times in the opening months of the season and having been without the likes of N’Golo Kante, Alvaro Morata and Eden Hazard for periods of the season so far, the Blues have struggled to really get going.
Last season they were relentless and efficient but they aren’t performing with the same prowess this campaign. They looked to have turned a corner as they went two-up against Roma on Wednesday but their vulnerability ultimately showed as the game ended 3-3.
This Saturday Chelsea are without Victor Moses, Kante and Danny Drinkwater, while Gary Cahill, Tiemoue Bakayogo and David Luiz are all doubts.
Surprise package Watford
Watford have been this season’s surprise package and they look good value for it. I’m writing this with a smirk on my face as I was on them outright with a +42 handicap.
Marcos Silva has furthered the tactical nous he showed in his short-time at Hull last season and has his Watford side organised and astute. The Hornets only loss this season came at the hands of Man City, they are tough-to-beat and are the league’s highest goalscorers outside of the traditional top six.
Watford have an identity about them for the first time since their promotion and exciting times seemingly lie ahead at Vicarage Road.
The betting angles
Watford are unbeaten away from home and have scored two goals in each of their away trips. Chelsea are missing players at the back and their defensive structure is vulnerable without Kante covering ground in front.
Watford have been competitive in games all season bar their loss to Manchester City and it would make sense to keep them onside with some sort of handicap but unfortunately it looks like we’ve missed the value in the Asian Lines.
Each of Watford’s last three matches have seen Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams To Score. Four of Chelsea’s eight league games have seen Over 1.5 First Half goals and three of the four occasions that didn’t were against Spurs, Arsenal and Man City.
Watford have scored in the first-half in each of their last three away games. Regardless of Chelsea’s issues, an attacking trio of Pedro, Hazard and Morata has the quality to trouble most. Over 1.5 goals in the opening 45 minutes is 6/4 (BetVictor) while Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams To Score is a generous 6/5 (Boylesports).
Best Bets
Chelsea v Watford – Over 1.5 first-half goals (6/4 BetVictor)
Chelsea v Watford – Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams To Score (6/5 Boylesports)
