Guus Hiddink makes four changes to the side which won at MK Dons on Sunday.

Two come in defence as Kurt Zouma and Cesar Azpilicueta return to the starting line-up at the expense of Gary Cahill and Baba Rahman respectively.

John Mikel Obi, an unused substitute at the weekend, plays alongside Nemanja Matic in midfield, and Willian has recovered from the late knock he picked up at Stadium MK and also starts. Eden Hazard and Ruben Loftus-Cheek drop down to the bench.

New signings Pato and Matt Miazga are not involved.

Nathan Ake, currently on loan at Watford from the Blues, is ineligible to feature for the hosts tonight.

Three of their new arrivals – Costel Pantilimon, Mario Suarez and Nordin Amrabat – start on the bench.

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

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

Subs: Begovic, Baba, Cahill, Loftus-Cheek, Kenedy, Traore, Hazard.

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

Watford (4-3-1-2): Gomes; Parades, Cathcart, Prodl, Holebas; Capoue, Watson, Behrami; Jurado; Deeney (c), Ighalo.

Subs: Pantilimon, Nyom, Suarez, Amrabat, Guedioura, Anya, Abdi.

Tonight’s referee is Mike Dean.