Returning to Premier League action after the international break, Chelsea faces a trip to Goodison Park to play Everton, somewhere that has been an indifferent ground for the Blues in recent years. After picking up just four points from the first four games, Chelsea find themselves desperate for a win and the stakes have been raised slightly higher by Everton centre-back John Stones facing the side he wanted to join just two weeks ago.
This fixture came at a similar time during the last campaign and it was a cracker of a match. Chelsea found themselves two goals up after just three minutes in a game that finished 6-3 at Goodison Park. This game showed the whole country how much of a threat Chelsea were going to be last season, but this year it’s about showing everyone else that we are still contenders and will fight to keep our title.
Team News:
With performances up until now not being good enough, Jose has hinted about changes across the back line. Azpilicueta could move to right back with Baba Rahman making his Chelsea debut. New signing Djolibodji could find himself on the bench for the trip.
Rumours of an injury for Thibaut Courtois were confirmed and we will see a return to the starting XI for Asmir Begovic and Brazilian midfielder Oscar will still be sidelined with a muscular problem.
Some good team news could come in the shape of Captain John Terry returning from suspension and is expected to partner Gary Cahill at the heart of the Chelsea defence. If anyone can regroup the squad to turn their fortunes around, it’s John Terry.
Everton will have John Stones in their squad for this weekend’s game. The England international appeared to be on his way to the Champions for virtually the whole summer, but Martinez and Kenwright intervened to keep the former-Barnsley man at the club.
Everton may hand a debut to deadline-day signing Ramiro Funes Mori in the early kick-off this weekend. His debut could come at left-back with all three of Leighton Baines, Brendan Galloway and Bryan Oviedo all doubts for this weekend.
Stats:
Chelsea has only won 2 out of the last 6 Premier League games at Goodison Park.
Everton average 2.00 goals per game at home to Chelsea whereas the Champions average 1.3 goals per game away at Everton. Expect goals.
Writer’s Prediction:
I’m very pessimistic at the moment. Everton 2-2 Chelsea
