Chelsea’s path to recovery from their debacle against Manchester United could not take them to a more demanding setting in the Premier League as Andre Villas-Boas takes his side to Goodison Park on Saturday. As Manchester City learnt the hard way last week, Everton are a tough nut to crack at home and with Chelsea not having won their last three trips to Goodison, Villas-Boas will be wary. Both sides come into the game following scored draws last weekend, with Chelsea drawing 3-3 with Manchester United while Everton were held to a 1-1 draw at Wigan. Chelsea cruised to a 3-1 triumph in the clash at Stamford Bridge earlier in the year, but with four draws in the last seven head-to-heads, a stalemate is the most popular result.
Everton
Everton are unbeaten in their last four Premier League games and they have in fact lost only two of their last ten fixtures in all competitions. But David Moyes will still be perturbed by their inconsistency, which was clearly on show as they followed up a win over Man City by drawing at relegation front runners Wigan. The victory over the table toppers last week coincided with a feel good factor spreading around Goodison Park. The signing of Nikica Jelavic was Everton’s most high profile transfer deal in a long time and combined with Steven Pienaar’s return to Merseyside, Everton fans finally had something to cheer about.
But the stalemate at Wigan came about due to an uncharacteristic mistake by Tim Howard as he was completely outfoxed by the spin of the ball to let in an own goal. They are still in mid-table, three points off Sunderland in 8th but a healthy ten points clear of the relegation zone. The Chelsea game kicks off a series of fixtures against sides from the capital as Everton next face QPR, Tottenham and Arsenal.
Their injury list grew longer last week after Tim Cahill limped off against Wigan with an ankle injury. Moyes is still without Phil Jagielka, Seamus Coleman and Leon Osman while Jack Rodwell is nearing a return to action. Sylvain Distin’s return against Wigan was a huge boost for the side as they were stretched to bare bones at the back for a few weeks.
Chelsea
Andre Villas-Boas faced the dreaded visit from Roman Abramovich last week as the Russian owner dropped in to the training ground prior to the Manchester United game on Sunday. The owner is said to have made another trip to the training ground on Tuesday to talk to the players as he investigated the cause of Chelsea’s capitulation of sorts against Man United. The game itself was an incredible affair as Chelsea suffered their 3rd straight stalemate in the Premier League. It has been a long winter for Chelsea as they have struggled to keep pace with Tottenham above them and fend off the challenge of the chasing pack.
A mere three victories from their last ten Premier League games indicates a drastic drop in form. They have in fact won only twice since beating Man City in early December, a paltry return of 12 points from a possible 27. Third placed Spurs have opened up a seven point gap while Newcastle are breathing down their necks, just a point off in 5th.
They depend far too heavily on Juan Mata to produce some magic and as the Spaniard showcased against United he can deliver even in the biggest games. But Mata aside Chelsea lack creativity in midfield and without searing pace on the wings they have become predictable and hence easier to defend against. Fernando Torres continues to be forlorn as he looks a shadow of his old self and with Didier Drogba still at the African Cup of Nations, Chelsea lack a cutting edge in attack.
Head-to-Head:
15th Oct, 2011: Chelsea 3-1 Everton
22nd May, 2011: Everton 1-0 Chelsea
Everton: DWWDD
4th Feb, 2012: Wigan 1-1 Everton
31st Jan, 2012: Everton 1-0 Man City
27th Jan, 2012: Everton 2-1 Fulham (FA Cup)
21st Jan, 2012: Everton 1-1 Blackburn
14th Jan, 2012: Aston Villa 1-1 Everton
Chelsea: DWDWW
5th Jan, 2012: Chelsea 3-3 Man United
31st Jan, 2012: Swansea 1-1 Chelsea
28th Jan, 2012: QPR 0-1 Chelsea (FA Cup)
21st Jan, 2012: Norwich 0-0 Chelsea
14th Jan, 2012: Chelsea 1-0 Sunderland
Probable Line-Ups:
Everton (4-5-1): Howard (Gk), Neville, Heitinga, Distin, Baines, Donovan, Fellaini, Gibson, Pienaar, Anichebe, Stracqualursi
Cahill’s fitness will determine the shape of Everton, with the Australian slotting into the free-roaming role behind the striker if fit else Victor Anichebe might be drafted in. Darron Gibson and Marouane Fellainiwill form the central midfield partnership while London Donovan and Pienaar start on the wings. In defence, Phil Neville and Tony Hibbert will fight for the right-back slot, with John Heitinga, Distin and Leighton Baines completing the back four. In attack, it remains to be seen if Moyes gives Jelavic his debut or sticks with Denis Stracqualursi.
Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech (Gk), Bosingwa, Cahill, Luiz, Cole, Essien, Meireles, Lampard, Mata, Torres, Sturridge
Ashley Cole will return from his suspension to take his place at left-back but John Terry is yet to recover from the knee injury that has kept him out for the last two games. Gary Cahill made his debut last week and he should continue in central defence beside David Luiz while Jose Bosingwa is favourite to start at right-back. Frank Lampard is likely to train this week and he should be fit for Saturday’s game. Michael Essien and Raul Meireles should partner Lampard in a three-man midfield. Daniel Sturridge was Chelsea’s biggest threat against Man United and he will once again be stationed on the right while Mata & Torres will complete the attack.
Prediction: Everton are more than a match for anybody at home and they will once again put in a high-energy performance on Saturday. Chelsea lack the pace to get behind Everton’s defence, the home side’s defence will have to deal with play in front of them. Mata will be the main man for Chelsea and if Everton can keep him quiet, they have the ability to knick a goal from a set-piece to overcome their opponents.
Predicted Score: Everton 1-1 Chelsea
(TheSportsCampus)
