Match Preview: Everton vs Chelsea

Referee : Howard Webb

Venue:  Goodison Park, Liverpool

Kick off at 6.55 pm IST  Live on ESPN

In the last round of fixtures before the year end, Everton and Chelsea will look to end the year on a high note when the two teams meet in what promises to be a great encounter. A rejuvenated Chelsea side will look to continue its impressive form shown in the last couple of weeks under Rafa Benitez.

Everton are known to be giant killers for their performance  against the top 4 sides. Inconsistency in getting the right results has been their problem in recent years. This season, with 33 points from 19 games, sitting on 5th position and with a chance of finishing on 3rd position this year, David Moyes and his men will feel they have taken giant steps in their goal of achieving the prized Champions League spot.

FORM :

                                                                                                       EVERTON

                                                                                                         WWDWD

Everton last tasted defeat more than a  month a ago against Reading. That shows you the kind of form they are in. They have won 3 of their last 5 matches, including the game against Tottenham where they snatched three points in the dying minutes of the game by scoring two goals in two minutes.They are yet to lose at home and are among only two teams to hold that record this season. Since Marouane Fellaini has been suspended, Leon Osman has been shouldering the responsibility in midfield and his form in this game could be vital for the Toffees.

                                                                                                        CHELSEA

                                                                                                         WWWLD

Rafa Benitez is finally coming to grips with his Chelsea side.  They have looked a completely different side after coming back from the FIFA Club World Cup. Misfiring striker Fernando Torres has also shown shades of getting back to his best. Certainly Rafa Benitez has made an instant impact on Fernando Torres’s form, to say the least. The rotation policy has been working well so far and keeping the midfield fresh.

TEAM NEWS :

EVERTON :

Marouane Fellaini continues to be on the sidelines following his ban he got against Stoke City. Victor Anichebe could start after a decent performance in the last few games. Seamus Coleman could also return to he squad after a spell on the sidelines.

CHELSEA :

David Luiz might continue to play as defensive midfielder, as he has been in the past few games. John Terry and Ryan Bertrand will miss this tie due to injuries. John terry has had a long spell on the sidelines and this game might be too early for him to make a comeback.

What to expect :

 Both sides will look to end the year on a high. Rafa Benitez will come under the wrath of the home fans for his Liverpool connections. I guess this will be an even encounter with both sides looking good in attack. Everton have the home advantage and the fact that Chelsea have not performed well in recent times. I expect a scoring draw for this one

Prediction : EVERTON 2-2 CHELSEA