The Big Preview - Chelsea v Everton

Article by e-Chelsea Correspondent Robert Wake

PREMIER LEAGUE – STAMFORD BRIDGE,

SATURDAY 22nd FEBRUARY 2014, 12:45hrs (GMT), LIVE ON BT SPORT

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Summary

Chelsea begin a run of three crucial home games against Everton on Saturday, before March dates with Tottenham and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. Everton are never easy opponents, and defeated The Blues in the reverse fixture at Goodison Park back in September, courtesy of a solitary goal from Steven Naismith. Chelsea need to keep their noses in front this weekend, as Manchester City will then have consecutive weekends without a Premiership fixture, which could allow Chelsea and Arsenal to open up a gap, albeit having played more games. I have always believed that points on the board are preferable to games in hand, and if Chelsea can put pressure on by gaining good points over the next few weeks, it could prove decisive during the run in. For their part, The Toffees will be looking to apply pressure on Tottenham and Liverpool in the race for Champions League football.

History

Chelsea won the corresponding fixture on final day of last season. Juan Mata and Fernando Torres scoring either side of Naismith’s equaliser for the visitors. The previous season, The Blues triumphed 3-1 thanks to goals from Ramires, John Terry and Daniel Sturridge, with Vellios scoring a late consolation for Everton. In 2010-11, the teams met twice at Stamford Bridge, firstly playing out a 1-1 draw in the Premiership, before Everton knocked Chelsea out of the FA Cup with a Penalty shoot-out victory after Leighton Baines cancelled out Frank Lampard’s goal in the final minute of extra-time.

Team News

Everton’s Romelu Lukaku is still injured, but would not have been able to play against his parent club anyway. Bryan Oviedo is out for the season, while Darron Gibson and Arouna Kone are also unavailable. Loan signing Lacina Traore may start up front for the visitors. Chelsea are waiting on the fitness of Captain John Terry before deciding their line-up, with Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah both likely to feature as they are unavailable for the midweek trip to Istanbul, while Fernando Torres may be recalled.

Prediction

Chelsea have an opportunity to apply some pressure on their title rivals with an early kick-off here. Everton can be resilient opponents, and the home side may have to be patient before picking up a narrow, nervy victory.

Chelsea 1-0 Everton

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