Premier League: Chelsea vs. Everton – Match Preview
Chelsea host Everton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, as they look to bounce back after relinquishing the top spot of the League table to Manchester United. The reigning champions are currently second, two points adrift of the Red
Devils having failed to secure three points in their last three outings. Their longest winless streak dates back to September 2007, when they went four without success. Two back-to-back defeats to Sunderland and Birmingham were followed by last Sunday's draw
at Newcastle, in which Salomon Kalou managed to snatch a point after a defensive howler gifted Andy Carroll the chance to put the home side ahead.
Chelsea’s defensive frailty and lack of creativity in midfield have been visible in recent games. The loss of Michael Essien, Frank Lampard and John Terry has hampered them greatly and Ancelotti will be eager for his "Big Three"
to return to action as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Everton continued their inconsistent form as they were embarrassed 4-1 at Goodison Park by a resurgent West Brom side last weekend. Both sides haven’t won in their last three Premier League games and with five draws
in the last seven meetings between these two sides, the probability for a draw is high.
Maximum points will be crucial to both sides but for varying reasons, as the Blues aim to reclaim the top spot while David Moyes' side look to pull clear of their wobbly place at the edge of the relegation zone.
David Moyes’ side is in lacklustre form and is without a win in five matches; they find themselves mere two points above the relegation zone. Everton have won only three games all season and this record looks likely to continue
as they head to West London where they have only recorded a single win in 14 years. They have been really poor on the road, winning just one out of seven games away from Goodison Park all season. They have managed to keep only one clean sheet all season and
have been conceding goals left, right and centre despite having a full-strength defence available. Everton’s front three comprising of Jermaine Beckford, Ayegbeni Yakubu and Louis Saha have scored a combined total of just two goals in the Premier League. Tim
Cahill and Mikel Arteta have provided the majority of fire power up-front scoring 11 goals between them.
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Chelsea expects the return of captain John Terry from injury lay-off to boost their defence; the Blues’ talisman has been out for three weeks with a sciatic nerve problem in his right leg. Frank Lampard is training well and is
expected to return next weekend. This game comes a week early for Lampard, who is plagued with multiple injuries this term. Michael Essien has completed his three-game ban and recovered from a toe problem as well to start for Chelsea.
Mikel Arteta serves the first of his three-match ban after a straight red card against West Brom. Arteta has been the lynchpin of Everton’s midfield and his absence is a big blow for Moyes' side, but he can take respite in return
of Marouane Fellaini, who rejoins the squad following a similar punishment.
Leon Osman is suffering from an ankle injury and is likely to miss the trip but Everton are hopeful over Captain Phil Neville making his comeback from a knee injury to face the champions.
Prediction: Chelsea 2 - Everton 1
Chelsea will be too strong for the lowly Everton as John Terry’s return will add much-needed solidarity at back. Both teams are struggling to score but there is a storm hanging over Stamford Bridge. This is not the ideal time to
visit the Bridge as someone will get a real battering from the wounded defending champions. This will be a close encounter but football pundits expect Chelsea to edge past Everton.
Player to watch: Didier Drogba
Drogba has scored nine goals in his last eight Premier League games at Stamford Bridge.
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