Chelsea – Everton Match Preview
Chelsea managed to extend their lead at the top of the table to 7 points with their 2-1 win at Aston Villa on Saturday whilst their closest rivals City only managed a draw at home against Hull. The Blues have lost only 1 of their last 6 meetings with Everton at Stamford Bridge, even if that was a penalty shootout in the FA Cup. The Blues come into this match as clear favorites and should win this match with ease even if striker Diego Costa will serve the final suspension of his 3-match ban. Mourinho must decide who to start between Loic Remy and Didier Drogba in his absence. With Filipe Luis still out injured, and Cesc Fabregas still not fully fit, some issues remain even if Gary Cahill is expected to keep his place at center-back alongside John Terry.
Everton have won only 2 of their last 12 Premier League games even if they are unbeaten in their last 4 and have conceded only 1 goal in that run. Against Chelsea though their defense will be tested as will their offense, which played out a dire 0-0 draw with Liverpool on Saturday. Leighton Baines missed the Merseyside Derby, but could return here in place of Bryan Oviedo at left back and Tim Howard, Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar are all set to miss out. Christian Atsu, who is returning from the AFCON, is unable to face his parent club so Aaron Lennon could make his first start for the Toffees since his loan move from Spurs.
Our Probable Formations:
Chelsea (4.2.3.1) Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill. Terry, Azpilicueta, Ramires, Matic, Willian, Oscar, Hazard and Remy.
Everton (4.2.3.1) Robles, Coleman, Stones, Jagielka, Baines, Barry, Besic, Lennon, Barkley, Mirallas and Lukaku.
BetAdvisor Top Tips:
There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Chelsea’s last 4 home games in the Premier League.
Chelsea are undefeated in 25 of their last 27 matches in the Premier League.
Chelsea are undefeated in 33 of their last 37 matches against Everton in all competitions.
There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Everton’s last 5 games in the Premier League.
Everton have kept a clean sheet in their last 3 matches in the Premier League.