Venue: Stamford Bridge
Date: 11/02/2015
Kick-off: 19:45 (BST)
Everton played out a dull and anticlimactic 0-0 draw against Liverpool over the weekend but at the end, the point could be seen as a positive one for the Toffees.
Roberto Martinez’s men are currently on the right track to recovery following a torrid start to the season but they could be brought back down to earth during the midweek clash when they square off against leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
With Chelsea playing so well at the moment, even the most ardent of Everton supporters would be skeptical of their side’s chances ahead of the game but the Toffees do possess a good enough side capable of causing an upset and the match is anything but a foregone conclusion.
Everton Team News
The likes of Aiden McGeady, Leon Osman, Steven Pienaar and Leighton Baines all missed the clash against Liverpool over the weekend and it seems very unlikely that the quartet will feature in midweek.
Therefore, there is a distinct possibility that Martinez will go with the same starting XI which started against Liverpool. The backline pretty much picks itself with Seamus Coleman, Phil Jagielka, John Stones and Bryan Oviedo starting ahead of goalkeeper Joel Robles.
In midfield, the impressive trio of Gareth Barry, Muhamed Besic and James McCarthy should retain their place but Ross Barkley and Aaron Lennon are strong contenders to make a start at the expense of Steven Naismith and Kevin Mirallas.
Romelu Lukaku was very ineffectual during the clash against Liverpool but the young striker will probably start ahead of Arouna Kone.
Probable Lineups
Chelsea (Probable XI): Courtois; Azpilicueta, Terry, Zouma, Ivanovic; Matic, Fabregas, Hazard,Oscar, Cuadrado; Remy
Everton (Probable XI): Robles; Oviedo, Jagielka, Stones, Coleman; Barry, McCarthy; Besic, Barkley, Lennon; Lukaku
Form
Chelsea: D L W D W
Everton: D D D W D
Last Meeting
30/08/2014 Everton 3 – 6 Chelsea
22/02/2014 Chelsea 1 – 0 Everton
Prediction
Chelsea are overwhelming favourites heading into the game but Everton have shown signs of recovery in recent times after earning points off of the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, and one can be sure that the Toffees will put up a good fight on the night.
It was a crazy encounter when the last time these two sides squared off against each other as the match finished with a score line of 6-3 but such a repeat looks unlikely due to both side tightening up at the back in recent times.
However, it is not to say that the match will not be an exciting affair and one certainly can expect a few goals on the day.
Everton’s backline has improved over the past few weeks and they will be encouraged by the fact that Diego Costa will not be available. Nonetheless, the match will be by no means an easy ride for the Toffees and although they will put up a good showing – Chelsea should be able to win this one with a comfortable margin.
Chelsea 3-1 Everton
