Venue: Stamford Bridge
Date: 16/01/2016
Kick-off: 15:00 (BST)
Match
Having faced Manchester City away from home in midweek, Everton now prepare for another very tough assignment as they travel to Stamford Bridge to square off against champions Chelsea on Saturday.
Everton displayed a lot of fight to earn a 0-0 draw against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium and the result was most certainly a huge positive for manager Roberto Martinez.
However, the Toffees cannot afford to rest on their laurels for too long as they now prepare for a clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and despite the Blues’ recent struggles, the away side will have to put in a herculean performance so as to claim the victory on the day.
Everton Team News
Everton are still without the likes of Seamus Coleman, Tony Hibbert, James McCarth and Steven Naismith while even Tom Cleverley has been rated as a doubt ahead of the game. Therefore one should not expect too many changes to the side that earned a draw against City last time out.
The impressive backline of Tim Howard, Phil Jagielka, Ramiro Funes Mori, John Stones and Leighton Baines looks set to be starting for sure and Martinez will be hopeful of a similar display from his defenders to the one which they put against City.
At the middle of the park, the feisty Muhamed Besic will be lining alongside Gareth Barry while the attacking midfield position will be occupied by Ross Barkely. Out wide, Gerard Deulofeu and Arouna Kone look the most likely starters but Aaron Lennon and Kevin Mirallas will be in contention as well.
Romelu Lukaku is the undoubted man to lead the line for Everton on the day and the Belgian international will surely be out to prove a point against his former side.
Probable Lineups
Chelsea (Probable XI): Courtois; Azpilicueta, Terry, Zouma, Ivanovic; Matic, Fabregas, Willian, Oscar, Kenedy; Costa
Everton (Probable XI): Howard; Baines, Jagielka, Funes Mori, Stones; Besic, Barry, Deulofeu, Barkley, Kone; Lukaku
Last Meeting
12/09/2015 Everton 3 – 1 Chelsea
11/02/2015 Chelsea 1 – 0 Everton
Prediction
Everton do not enjoy the best of records against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge but as a bit of a confidence boost, the Toffees did manage a 3-1 victory over the Blues earlier on in the season and they will surely not be approaching the game in a fearful manner.
Chelsea are clearly far from their best at the moment but still remain a strong side and Everton will have to play very well in order to be able to claim anything from the clash. It is difficult to pinpoint who is the favourite heading into the game but Chelsea seem to have the slight edge and might just sneak a victory on the day.
Chelsea 2 – 1 Everton
