Half-time: Chelsea 0 Watford 0

Didier Drogba had Chelsea’s best chance in a goalless first half in the FA Cup third-round clash at Stamford Bridge.

The veteran striker rose to meet Loic Remy’s cross on the half-hour mark but his effort was saved at the near post by Watford keeper Jonathan Bond.

Remy, making only his fourth Blues start as one of eight changes, joined Andre Schurrle and Gary Cahill in wasting excellent chances to score.

Schurrle should have found the target when Drogba controlled a long ball forward superbly and found his team-mate in acres of space inside the box.

Cahill flicked over from close range with just the keeper to beat and then glanced a header wide of the far post shortly before half-time.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho handed keeper Petr Cech his eighth start of the campaign and he was called upon to stop Daniel Tozser and Troy Deeney giving Championship side Watford the lead.

Youngster Kurt Zouma also made a rare start along with Felipe Luis, John Mikel Obi and Ramires, with John Terry, Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard left out of the matchday squad.

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Cahill, Luis; Mikel, Ramires; Oscar, Schurrle, Remy; Drogba.
Subs: Courtois, Ivanovic, Ake, Salah, Costa, Matic, Willian.

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