Chelsea vs Everton: Key battles to watch out for
Samuel Eto’o is set to start against Everton
Tomorrow Goodison Park welcomes Chelsea in what would be a closely contested match, with both sides going unbeaten into the game. Both clubs were involved in a host of transfer deadline activity, and a number of new signings could start.
Martinez, who admitted he was excited by the prospect of managing against the “Special One” for the first time, acknowledged the way his side have played, and knows there is pressure to get the first win albeit against a very good Chelsea team.
Everton are without a win in the Premier League this year, but have drawn their first three games, including a including a 0-0 draw at Cardiff City last time out.
Everton’s on-loan striker Romelu Lukaku is ineligible against his parent club but James McCarthy and Gareth Barry could make their debuts for Everton.
After securing the free transfers of duo Samuel Eto’o and Willian from Anzhi Makhachkala, Chelsea boast of a mixture of raw talent and experience. Manager Mourinho says the Cameroonian striker will be given a debut against Everton in the Premier League.
Eto’o has yet to take to the field for the Blues due to the international break, but the 32-year-old should get a first run out at Goodison Park.
The London side will be relieved to not have any fresh injury woes after the international break.
It will be the second difficult away tie in a row for the west London club, with Mourinho’s men securing a 0-0 draw at Manchester United in their last game away from Stamford Bridge.
Despite the Merseyside outfit posing a significant danger, the Portuguese manager says the visitors will be going for the win.
“We’re going to try to win, knowing they’re a difficult side, but our approach will be to try to win three points,” Mourinho said at the pre-match press conference.
The match will unquestionably produce some enticing battles. Here are some interesting ones to watch out for:
Gareth Barry vs Frank Lampard
This game will pit two England international midfielders in direct competition. Frank Lampard picked up his 100th international cap against Ukraine in midweek and will look to inspire his side to victory in a tough clash.
Gareth Barry looks set to make his debut for Everton after a loan switch from Manchester City on deadline day, and his battle with Lampard should be fascinating. The 32-year-old is keen to push his way back into the national reckoning, and displaying a competitive showing against Lampard would be an excellent start. His signing was seen as necessary by some Evertonians, being perceived as the leader of a new-look central midfield.
With Darron Gibson likely to be missing, a lot of responsibility with fall on the shoulders of Barry to guide his team around the park and stamp some kind of authority on the game for the home side. His influence could be a vital influence on the outcome of the game, and his ability to hinder Lampard could be a turning point from Everton’s point of view.
Eden Hazard vs Seamus Coleman
The Belgian is nursing a slight injury after coming back from international duty, but should be ready for Saturday’s clash at Goodison Park.
Coleman has had a superb start to the season and was nominated for August’s Player of the Month award, but containing Hazard will be the Irishman’s toughest challenge so far.
Hazard has been instrumental in Chelsea’s forward attack force so far, and with added responsibility showered upon him by Mourinho, he could flourish under his role to provide long and short passes, and score goals whenever necessary.
Kevin Mirallas vs Ashley Cole
Just as former manager David Moyes had thought, Mirallas has developed into a superb talent and is the second Belgium international to be playing in this game.
The 25-year-old has looked in good form this campaign and will be looking forward to linking up with national team-mate Romelu Lukaku in the future, although he is ineligible for this match.
Oscar vs Gareth Barry
The 22-year-old Brazilian is occupying the No.10 role behind the striker position and Oscar hasn’t let his boss down. He is in scintillating form, both domestically and internationally.
Barry, on the other hand, will have to make sure he fulfills the task of containing the South American and veteran midfielder Lampard. The debut of Barry should be interesting to watch.
The provisional squads:
Everton: Howard, Robles, Heitinga, Hibbert, Coleman, Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Stones, Naismith, Deulofeu, McCarthy, Barry, Pienaar, Osman, Barkley, Oviedo, Jelavic, Kone, Mirallas.
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Cole, Luiz, Essien, Ramires, Lampard, Torres, Mata, Oscar, Mikel, Schurrle, De Bruyne, van Ginkel, Hazard, Ba, McEachran, Willian, Schwarzer, Cahill, Terry, Eto’o, Azpilicueta, Bertrand.