Venue: Stamford Bridge
Date: 12/03/2016
Kick-off: 15:30 (BST)
Match
Everton have been largely inconsistent in the Premier League this season and following a terribly disappointing 3-2 defeat against West Ham United last weekend, the Toffees’ chances of finishing in Europe seems all but over after the collapse.
Now Everton will have to focus their attention to the FA Cup as it is the only competition which the Roberto Martinez’s men can realistically hope to be successful in during the current campaign but with Chelsea away from home up next in the Quarter Finals, the Toffees certainly have a lot of work to do before they even think about lifting the historic trophy.
Everton Team News
Joel Robles did not have the best of games against West Ham United last weekend but the Spaniard is likely to keep his place in goal while the defence may once again consist of the three centre backs featuring Phil Jagielka, John Stones and Ramiro Funes Mori.
In the wing back positions, the duo of Bryan Oviedo and Seamus Coleman will be lining up while Gareth Barry and James McCarthy should start at the heart of the midfield.
Barkley to fill in out wide during the absence of Mirallas
Kevin Mirallas is suspended for the clash and it means that Ross Barkley will probably move into the wide position of the front three while the fantastic Aaron Lennon should be deployed on the other side.
Romelu Lukaku will be leading the line for Everton during the clash and the Belgian will surely be keen on continuing his wonderful run of form in front of goal against his former side.
Probable Lineups
Chelsea (Probable XI): Courtois; Kenedy, Ivanovic, Cahill, Azpilicueta; Mikel, Fabregas, Willian, Oscar, Pedro; Traore
Everton (Probable XI): Howard; Baines, Jagielka, Stones, Coleman; McCarthy, Barry, Deulofeu, Barkley, Cleverley; Lukaku
Last Meeting
16/01/2016 Chelsea 3 – 3 Everton
12/09/2015 Everton 3 – 1 Chelsea
Prediction
Everton have enjoyed recent success against Chelsea and were desperately unlucky not to beat the Blues at Stamford Bridge back in January.
That said, Everton’s bad luck has also been down to their own deficiencies in recent times and manager Roberto Martinez certainly needs his side to cut out errors from their game.
Chelsea are a much improved side under Guus Hiddink and while Everton will give the Premier League champions a hard time, one should expect the home side to be able to progress into the semi finals.
Chelsea 2 – 1 Everton
