Chelsea - Everton: Preview and Lineups Prediction
Chelsea play host to an Everton side with a handy away record this Saturday as the Blues seek to continue their unbeate...
Roberto Martinez will be forced to work with a depleted squad for the trip to Stamford Bridge.
Tom Cleverly is a doubt for the away side as he's carrying a slight calf injury.
Steven Naismith (ankle), Seamus Coleman (calf), James McCarthy (hip), Tony Hibbert (knee) and Tyias Browning (knee) are all out of action.
Howard | Stones, Jagielka, Funes Mori, Baines | Basic, Barry | Deulofeu, Barkley, Kone | Lukaku
Last Five Meetings
Everton 3-1 Chelsea (Premier League, September 2015)
Chelsea 1-0 Everton (Premier League, February 2015)
Everton 3-6 Chelsea (Premier League, August 2014)
Chelsea 1-0 Everton (Premier League, February 2014)
Everton 1-0 Chelsea (Premier League, September 2013)
Score Prediction
The late equaliser we conceded to turn three points into a draw against West Brom on Wednesday is a real kick in the teeth – and the players will no doubt be feeling it, too. Another lapse in concentration has halted our momentum once again and left us just six points above the relegation zone. Hiddink, his squad, and the fans would be in a very different frame of mind going into this clash with Everton had we hung on until the final whistle.
We can expect a determined effort from an Everton side that's looked more confident away from home than in their own backyard so far this campaign. As always, taking three points from the Toffees is a tough ask. Roberto Martinez will likely set up his team to frustrate Chelsea and hit us on the break with players like Gerard Deulofeu, Arouna Kone and the in-form Romelu Lukaku.
Chelsea should attempt to nullify the Toffees' counter attacking by exercising patience in possession while only looking for the killer ball when there's sufficient movement up front – an aspect of our play we've somewhat improved on during recent outings.
I'll go for a 1-1 draw. What are your score predictions?