Chelsea vs Everton: Chelsea play host to an Everton side this Saturday who will be looking to keep their dream of Champions League football alive.
Venue: Stamford Bridge | Date: Saturday, 22 February | Kick-off: 12.45 GMT
On TV: Live BT Sports 1, Highlights, BBC ONE Match of the Day.
Chelsea will be aiming to recover from a poor run of recent form that has seen them pick just one win up in their last three games, to go alongside two below-par performances.
Mourinho’s men still sit on the top of the table despite a draw against West Brom in their last league game, however Manchester City, who knocked the Blues out of the FA Cup last Saturday, have a game in hand on the London sides around them.
In contrast, Everton have one 3 of their last 5 games in all competitions and are still well in the running to claim 4th place off of their Merseyside rivals Liverpool. They have, however, won just two of their last 5 Premier League games.
In the reverse fixture this season, Everton inflicted Chelsea’s first defeat of the season in a game that saw Chelsea not pick up points due to their inability to finish their chances – a story that Chelsea fans have heard all to often this season.
However, Chelsea fans will know very well by now that Jose Mourinho, up until now at least, just does not lose at home in the League.
It is now 73 league games unbeaten at Stamford Bridge, and just 4 points dropped at home this season.
Chelsea will also be boosted by the knowledge that John Terry was back in training yesterday (Thursday) following an injury that has kept the captain out for three games.
Jose Mourinho today confirmed that he will start in our early kick-off tomorrow afternoon, and explained the importance of Terry to his side:
“John is fit and he will play. John has a level of performance that gives stability to the team, especially one with lots of young people.”
In addition, Jose Mourinho today confirmed in his press conference that David Luiz was unfit and would not play against Everton:
‘David Luiz is injured, he’s feeling some pain in his muscle, he’s not ready for this game but hopefully he will be ready for the next one.
Of course, the key man for Chelsea is likely to be the Belgian Eden Hazard. All Blues fans know of his fantastic recent form, especially the stunning hat-trick against Newcastle in our last home game.
Everton are likely to give a full debut to new signing Lacina Traore, who would prove to be a strong physical presence for whoever lines up at centre-back for Chelsea.
Steven Naismith, who scored the only goal in the reverse fixture at Goodison Park, could overcome concussion to play – a boost for the Toffees.
Chelsea vs Everton Pre-match facts
- Chelsea have lost none of their last 18 Premier League games against Everton at Stamford Bridge (W9, D9)
- Chelsea have won just three of their last eleven Premier League games against Everton
- Interestingly, Tim Howard (1) has more assists this season than Leighton Baines (0)
Chelsea vs Everton Predicted line-ups
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Azpilicueta; Matic, Lampard; Hazard, Oscar, Willian, Eto’o
Everton: Howard, Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Barry, McCarthy; Mirallas, Osman, Barkley; Traore
Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Everton
Glad to see JT back!