Venue: Goodison Park
Date: 12/08/2015
Kick-off: 12:45 (BST)
Match
Everton welcome champions Chelsea to Goodison Park this weekend and the Toffees will surely sense an opportunity to claim an upset against the uncharacteristically poor visitors on the day.
Everton have made a decent start their campaign so far and their gritty 0-0 draw against Tottenham Hotspur away from home a fortnight ago can be seen as a positive result for the Toffees.
Now having enjoyed a fruitful end to the transfer window, where they brought in no less than three new players to the club, Everton will be optimistic for the season ahead and there is a positive mood in the Toffees’ camp heading into the clash against Chelsea.
Chelsea on their part, have endured a torrid start to their campaign and the 2-1 home defeat against Crystal Palace means that the Blues are currently languishing in midtable mediocrity.
While Chelsea’s poor form can be seen as an opportunity for Everton to get a result, the wounded Jose Mourinho will surely be demanding his side to turn things around at Goodison Park this weekend.
Everton Team News
Everton manager Roberto Martinez has a lot of injury problems to contend with ahead of the clash as the likes of Leighton Baines, Tom Cleverley, Darron Gibson, Tony Hibbert and Steven Pienaar have all been ruled out due to injuries.
Tim Howard, who was fantastic against Tottenham, will be starting in goal for Everton and the backline should consist of Phil Jagielka, John Stones, Bryan Oviedo and Seamus Coleman. New signing Ramiro Funes Mori will also be in contention.
Lennon should make his second Everton debut against Chelsea
The spotlight during the game will surely be on Stones in particular following all the speculation linking him with a move to Chelsea.
In midfield, the duo of James McCarthy and Gareth Barry should continue their partnership while Kevin Mirallas looks set to replace the injured Cleverley on the left wing. On the right, Arouna Kone should continue but Aaron Lennon will also be pushing for a start.
Romelu Lukaku was quiet against Tottenham last time out but he will surely be looking to make a point against his former club during the clash.
Probable Lineups
Everton (Probable XI): Howard; Oviedo, Jagielka, Stones, Coleman; Mirallas, McCarthy, Barry, Barkley, Kone; Lukaku
Chelsea (Probable XI): Courtois; Azpilicueta, Terry, Cahill, Ivanovic; Fabregas, Matic; Pedro, Willian, Hazard; Costa
Form
Everton: D W L W D
Chelsea: L D L W L
Last Meeting
11/02/2015 Chelsea 1 – 0 Everton
30/08/2014 Everton 3 – 6 Chelsea
Prediction
Mourinho’s wounded side will be looking to get back on track
Everton have managed only one victory in their last five meetings against Chelsea but given the Blues’ current woes, the record means little heading into Saturday’s clash.
Everton have not yet registered a victory at home this season and while Chelsea may well be struggling, claiming all three points will surely prove to be a difficult test for the Toffees.
The match is expected to be a very close encounter but Chelsea look too strong and should perhaps be able to claim a narrow victory on the day.
Everton 1 – 2 Chelsea
