Chelsea’s Fernando Torre and Everton’s Sylvain Distin
The biggest match in the English Premier League this weekend sees over achieving Everton travel to west London to take on league leaders Chelsea.
Chelsea will be hoping to put their FA Cup misery behind them and as they look to maintain top spot. However, a tough test awaits them as they host a dangerous Everton side. Jose Mourinho unquestionably has good options in his attacking midfield department. Talented young players such Eden Hazard, Oscar, Willian, Andre Schurrle and new arrival, Mohamed Salah are the players he can pick to fill the attacking 3 in the 4-2-3-1 formation he usually uses. Hazard has become a key member of the Chelsea team under Mourinho, blossoming into a player who not only attacks with style but tracks back and helps the team in defence.
Mourinho will make a couple of changes from the team which suffered defeat to Manchester City last Saturday. Oscar dropped to the bench for the game but should start against the Toffees, with John Obi Mikel most likely to miss out as a result. Whatever your opinion of Fernando Torres, having him fit and back in the squad again is a definite positive for Chelsea. Samuel Eto’o has had some good performances lately, including a hat-trick against Manchester United, but the Cameroon international has not always delivered, and it helps Mourinho to have another option up front. Torres was showing some good form before his injury, and the Blues will be hoping that he can continue where he left off. He did not manage to make an impact against City, but 30 minutes is a promising return after an injury and Mourinho may opt to start with the Spaniard.
Everton beat Swansea 3-1 at Goodison Park at the weekend to set up a quarter-final tie against Arsenal at the Emirates. The Toffees will now turn their attention to the league as they take on table toppers Chelsea. Roberto Martinez recorded his first Premier League win since his appointment as Everton manager with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Goodison Park in the reverse fixture. Roberto Martinez’s impact at Everton – admittedly with the help of a very shifty loan system – is a significant achievement. His team have beaten Chelsea and won at Old Trafford, played well to earn a draw at Arsenal, and generally impressed with their abandon and belief.
Ross Barkley has looked a fearless player which has drawn comparisons to Wayne Rooney because of their similar style and club education. Mourinho is an admirer of the young attacking midfielder and will be weary of the threat Barkley poses when on the ball. He will be key for Everton with his direct style and creativeness combined with his footballing brain. He has shown himself to possess match winning performances. Striker Romelu Lukaku is ineligible to play for the Toffees due to his loan agreement with parent-club Chelsea. Lacina Traore is expected to lead the line for Everton after impressing in their win over Swansea in the FA Cup by scoring on debut.
Everton will need to be at their best to get a point yet alone three as Chelsea remain the only side in the league unbeaten on their turf. The Blues have been on a high in the league of late, tearing teams apart. Given the fact that Everton won the reverse fixture 1-0, Chelsea will be out for revenge and I wouldn’t bet against them here. The home side is tipped.
