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Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea welcome Everton to Stamford Bridge for Saturday’s lunch time kick off with the west Londoners looking to extend their lead at the top of the table.
The Blues are one point clear of Arsenal and will be desperate to remain in top spot ahead of their Champions League clash with Galatasaray next week. Meanwhile, Roberto Martinez’s pursuit of a Champions League place is in real jeopardy and he will hope to close the gap on fifth placed Tottenham Hotspur, although the Merseysiders have a game in hand over their rivals due to the postponement of their fixture with Crystal Palace. The weather, eh?
Team News
Chelsea
Captain John Terry is fit to return return from his unpredictable and problematic muscle complaint that has kept him out of the side for the last two league games, much to the frustration of Mourinho. David Luiz has picked up a knock and will sit out the game but could return in midweek. The Portuguese manager has few injury concerns at the moment and has a virtually fully fit squad to choose from following the news that striker Fernando Torres is available again. Meanwhile, Midfielder Marco van Ginkel is making good progress in his rehabilitation from an anterior cruciate ligament injury and could be fit before the end of the season.
Everton
Scottish forward Steven Naismith has been passed fit to play after recovering from a head injury that he picked up in the FA cup victory over Swansea last week. On-loan forward Romelu Lukaku has recovered from an ankle injury but is ineligible to play against his parent club. Gerard Deulofeu has returned to fitness and is in contention, while forward Lacina Traore could make his Premier League debut. Long term absentees Bryan Oviedo, Darron Gibson and Arouna Kone remain on the sidelines.
Predicted Line-Ups
Chelsea
Do not expect Mourinho to stray from his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation on Saturday. John Terry’s return and Brazilian centre-back David Luiz’s injury means the former England man will line up alongside Gary Cahill. Spaniard Cesar Azpiliceuta is expected to start in favour of Ashley Cole, whose future at Stamford Bridge is in doubt following a revelation by Mourinho earlier in the week. The attacking line-up picks itself at the moment, while Samuel Eto’o is expected to be preferred ahead of the returning Torres.
Chelsea: (4-2-3-1) Cech; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Matic, Ramires; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Eto’o.
Everton
The big news is that Martinez is expected to hand towering forward Lacina Traore his Premier League debut due to the absence of Romelu Lukaku. Everton’s defence rarely changes if the everyone is fit and the solid pairing of Jagielka and Distin will be tough to break down for Mourinho’s men. Gareth Barry will sit deep and provide further protection against Chelsea’s interchangeable attacking trio, while the two full-backs will be expected to push forward when they can. Ross Barkley slots in behind Traore to get in between the lines and provide the pace and creativity for the Merseysiders.
Everton: (4-2-3-1) Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Dstin, Baines; McCarthy, Barry; Mirallas, Barkley, Pienaar; Traore.
Recent Form
Only Liverpool are ahead of Chelsea in the form table as the Blues’ have taken 11 points from their last five games. If it wasn’t for two uncharacteristic draws with relegation threatened sides, Mourinho’s side would hold a commanding lead at the top of the table. Chelsea are on an 11 game unbeaten run and have not tasted defeat since the 3-2 loss at Stoke back in early December. They have hit form at the right time and the ‘little horse’ could be galloping to the Premier League title. However, Everton are languishing in 10th in the form charts, with damaging defeats to rivals Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur during a difficult run. Hopes of a Champions League place are fading on the blue half of Merseyside, but a victory over the league leaders would restore their confidence.
Players to Watch
Chelsea – Eden Hazard
The Belgian winger is in sensational form at present with his confidence still sky high after a hat-trick against Newcastle two weeks ago. Everton’s full-backs are amongst the best in the league but they are set for a long afternoon due to Hazard’s relentless willingness to attack his man, boasting a take on success rate of 73%. The 23-year-old’s goalscoring form is carrying Chelsea’s title challenge at the moment and he is the club’s top scorer with 12 goals. With pace, trickery and outstanding finishing ability, he could provide the difference between the sides.
Everton – Lacina Traore
The huge 6ft 8in Ivorian should be given a Premier League debut by Martinez and will become the tallest outfield player to appear in the division in the process. Signed on loan from Ligue 1 big spenders Monaco, the 23-year-old hit the ground running with an early goal against Swansea at Goodison Park last week and his goals will prove to be vital for Martinez during the run-in. Everton have developed an over reliance on Romelu Lukaku but Traore will give them a new option and physical presence that no defender will relish facing.
Prediction
Jose Mourinho’s side have dropped points on two occasions recently but do not expect them to slip up against Martinez’s side. Although the Portuguese will have one eye on the Champions League tie with Galatasaray, which will see the return of Didier Drogba, expect the west Londoners to edge out Everton in a hard fought encounter. Martinez’s side are determined to attack even if they are away from home but an expansive, open game will tip the balance in Chelsea’s favour.
Chelsea 2 – 1 Everton
