Chelsea FC vs Everton: Thoughts And Prediction
By Lou Flavius
After stretching their lead at the top of the table to seven points by beating Aston Villa over the weekend, Chelsea FC will be hoping to bag three more points when they host Everton at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
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The clubs produced a 6-3 spectacle during their first meeting of the season, with the London Blues coming out on top. We shouldn’t expect such an open game this time around though; while Jose Mourinho will be aiming for the jugular, he will err on the side of caution.
Diego Costa — who scored a brace in the reverse fixture — will again be unavailable for selection. The forward will be serving the last suspension of his three-game ban, providing another opportunity for Didier Drogba and Loic Remy.
Cesc Fabregas could make a return after missing the last two games as a result of a hamstring injury. Brazilian defender Filipe Luis will remain out for a while longer, as he nurses an injured shin.
Cesc Fabregas – Credit: Kody Platter (Flickr Creative Commons)
Roberto Martinez’ side currently occupy the 12th spot on the Premier League table. It could be argued that they don’t really have anything to play for this season, with Europe out of reach and relegation unlikely. They will probably throw everything they’ve got at Mourinho’s machine.
After last season’s showing, they were tipped to challenge for a place in the top four this campaign, but they have fallen way below expectations. Their focus should be on finishing this season in a decent spot, then regrouping for another attempt next term.
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The Toffees have lots of key players listed as doubtful for the match. Leighton Baines (knee) and Stephen Naismith (neck) could miss the clash, as well as Aiden McGeady (knee).
Goalkeeper Tim Howard (calf/shin), Leon Osman (ankle), Muhamed Besic (knock) and Steven Pienaar (knee) are also on the list, but only Pienaar and Besic have been completely ruled out.
Key Stats
-Steven Naismith has scored in three of his last four Barclays Premier League appearances against Chelsea.
-Everton ended a run of five consecutive away defeats in the league last time out with their 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
-Chelsea have kept 15 clean sheets in their last 19 top-flight home matches, conceding just six goals in that run.
-Cesc Fabregas made his BPL debut against Everton in August 2004. In his last four appearances against the Toffees he has scored three goals and assisted three more.
Prediction
Everton have always provided a tough challenge — well except for that last game — and they will come out to attack Chelsea. The Blues will need to remain resolute in defense, something which shouldn’t be much of a problem.
Mourinho does have a lot going for him; his home form coupled with Everton’s poor season paints a Chelsea win on paper; however, statistics can only take you so far.
All that being said, I don’t see Chelsea losing this game at the Bridge.
Final Score: Chelsea-2, Everton 1.