After a historic victory against Aston Villa on Saturday, Chelsea face Everton in a midweek clash at the Bridge. Chelsea go into the match following a closely contested match against a dejected Aston Villa side, Everton on the other hand are in the middle of a completely contrasting season. Last season, Everton impressed many with free flowing attacking football. As a result of finishing inside the Europa League spaces, this season has meant more games and like many teams, Everton’s league form has suffered due to the ‘Thursday night’ football. Jonathon Moss will officiate the game on Wednesday night. You can watch the game on BT Sport 1, 7:45pm K.O
Diego Costa will serve the last of three match ban against Everton. Didier Drogba looked a shadow of his former self at Villa Park, this could result in Loic Remy returning to the side after the Frenchman impressed against Manchester City. Petr Cech could also feature in goal after Thibaut Courtois has not been at his best over the last two games. Despite the signing of Juan Cuadrado, Willian looks set to retain his position after impressing against Aston Villa. The addition of the Colombian winger looks to have added an incentive for Willian to improve and he is responding well.
Romelu Lukaku is likely to lead the line for Everton, in what will be his first match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. New loan signing, Aaron Lennon could feature for the Toffee’s after coming off the bench in the Merseyside Derby. Everton will be without Aiden McGeady and Tim Howard through injury. Leighton Baines could return.
Chelsea boast the better recent form between the two sides. Chelsea have only lost once in their last six games, winning three and drawing two. The blues have not tasted defeat since their 5-3 defeat to London rivals Tottenham on New Year’s Day.
In contrast, Everton have struggled over recent weeks. The Toffee’s have only managed to conjure up one victory in their last six games, along with three draws and two defeats. Roberto Martinez will be fully aware of the dangers Chelsea pose to his team. After Manchester City dropped points at home to Hull over the weekend, Chelsea look set to continue their stride towards the Premier League trophy.
In this fixture last season, it was a tightly contested affair. Chelsea failed to find a winner until John Terry scored in the 93rd minute.
In my opinion, Everton are unfortunate to play Chelsea in this period of time, the Toffee’s are out of form and Chelsea hold the key to their own fate. The celebrations of Jose Mourinho and his staff after securing three points at Villa spoke volume, it showed the importance of that victory. The title is Chelsea’s to lose. I am predicting a win for Chelsea, Jose Mourinho’s home form has been formidable as Chelsea manager and I think that will continue. From the time when Jose commented on the lack of support from the Chelsea supporters, the atmosphere at Bridge has improved and it has shown in games against the likes of Liverpool and City, in which the fans have really driven the team forwards at times.
