It’s game two of judgement week, as Chelsea travel to Goodison park in an FA cup clash that could determine Chelsea’s 2016/17 season.
After being knocked out of the Champions league in embarrassing fashion during the week, Guus Hiddink will look to motivate his men in an attempt to salvage a once horrendous season.
The blues last trip to Goodison didn’t quite go to plan. A 3-1 thrashing which concluded in Steven Naismith getting himself a hattrick – Thankfully he has been sold to Norwich city during the January window – Nemanja Matic also scored a beauty of a goal but that was just a consolation.
The last fixture between ended in controversy, as Chelsea came from 2-0 down to draw 3-3 with John Terry scored an ‘offside’ goal in the 90th minute. Roberto Martinez will look to get revenge on last season’s Champions by knocking them out of the competition and ending all European hopes for the London club.
Guus Hiddink will be taking the competition very seriously and will hope to get the club into Europe next season. Here is my predicted XI:
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois: Having conceded in his last 6 games, Courtois will look to resurrect his form against Everton. Â The Belgian made some big saves against PSG during the week, but couldn’t prevent the club from getting knocked out in the round of 16.
Defence
RB – Cesar Azpilicueta: The Spaniard lacked confidence and form in the game midweek, with the Spaniard being dominated on the week and could’ve been at fault for both goals. Due to our lack of defenders, Dave will continue on the right.
CB – Â Branislav Ivanovic & Gary Cahill: Despite the absence of our captain, leadership was never low with these two in our defence, despite conceding in the last 6 games, both defenders have put in solid performances and deserve to continue in the side. Guus Hiddink has confirmed Terry will be in the squad but it will be very unlikely he will be thrown into the deep end straight away.
LB – Kenedy: Many were worried about the Brazilians inclusion against PSG, but yet again he impressed, showing passion and desire through times of struggle and pain. Baba has looked out or sorts in recent weeks and Hiddink doesn’t seem to have any trust in the Ghanaian. Kenedy will continue in the side.
Midfield
CDM – Ruben Loftus-Cheek & Mikel: This was a hard one to decide; we don’t want to go into the game with both Mikel & Matic as our midfield duo as this would show that we are willing to sit back and take the pressure. It would be a physical battle in midfield so I would only think it was suitable to play RLC and Mikel together this afternoon. Last weekend Ruben was finally given some minutes against Stoke, but surprisingly received a lot of hate on social media which was undeserved, considering that it was his first game time since January 31st; the young midfielder needs game time and this would be the perfect opportunity. Mikel will play as he is solid as usual.
CAM – Cesc Fabregas: The Spaniard has found his magic hat in recent months and has become a key player in the side. With Everton being a very physical side, it would be wise to play him further forward, giving him more freedom.
Forwards
RW – Willian: The Brazilian will need to be on top of his form against the Toffees, with their defence looking suspect and lacking confidence. Roberto Martinez’s side was 2-0 against West Ham last weekend and lost 3-2 which shows that Chelsea could have the upper hand this weekend.
CF – Bertrand Traore: The Burkina Faso international has come out of nowhere in recent weeks and has been full of form; scoring a beautiful goal against Stoke last weekend. Diego Costa picked up an injury against PSG and will be a doubt for the game in the FA cup.
LW – Pedro: The Spaniard was back in the side against the Parisians deserves to continue in the side this weekend. Eden Hazard has annoyed the wrong type of people this week, having been jeered off the pitch midweek and swapped shirts with Angel Di Maria at half time. Eden Hazard’s performances have been shocking this season and don’t deserve to start.
