There’s not much middle ground when it comes to Chelsea; either you love them or you them. When the premier league resumes this weekend, the Blues and their fans visit hostile territory.
Everton v. Chelsea
Off the field I’m most intrigued by how Martinez and Mourinho greet each on the touchline. The two have been very friendly to one another before but that may have come to an end.
On the field, desperate times call for desperate measures. Chelsea may play with a starting 11 eleven no one could have pictured a month ago. But let’s look at the opponent. For once this may be a game where Ivanovic doesn’t have a nightmare down this wing as Everton’s best attacking options, Barkley and Lukaku, primarily operate in the middle of the pitch. Maybe Mirallas or Lennon get’s played on the left but it’s still not how Everton are set up to go at teams.
Attacking wise many have complained about Chelsea’s lack of creativity but if you’ve been watching this team for the past few years it’s fairly obvious that when Oscar doesn’t play Chelsea aren’t nearly as dynamic going forward. Mourinho confirmed in his pre match press conference thas Oscar is still out and Courtois needs surgery after injuring his knee in training, and will be out for a few months.
The prospect of Oscar, Pedro and Hazard wreaking havoc gives me hope for this season. Everton will give up chances at home. I was taking Chelsea up until Friday morning but with this latest dagger blow we will have to take a wait and see approach to with our beloved Blues.
Pick: No Play
Crystal Palace v. Man City
Since Alan Pardew took over at Crystal Palace they have averaged 2.4 points every road game but only 1.3 points every home game. So it is fair call them road warriors. Man City come into this game as the favorite justifiably, but with no David Silva for this one I think there is tremendous value on the Eagles here. Man City coming off an international break and perhaps with one eye on their mid week Champions League clash with Juventus can be excused if they play a less than perfect game away from home.
The Silva injury should open the doors for Kevin de Bruyne to make his City debut.
Pick: Crystal Palace +1 (-120)
Manchester United v. Liverpool
Make all the fun you want of United for their heavy investment and uninspiring style of play, but keep in mind that they’ve only been scored on in one half this season. They are very hard to break down. Liverpool have not found their goalscoring touch yet this season, scoring twice in 4 games. Now they go to Old Trafford, where they have lost seven of the last eight, and will be without Coutinho, they’re best creator. Whether it is Romero or De Gea in goal, I like United’s chances of keeping a clean sheet.
Pick: Liverpool will not score (+150)
Sunderland v. Tottenham
RANDOM FOOTY FACT Harry Kane won his team 24 points with his goals last season, more than any other player
Harry Kane finally saw the ball go into the net on International duty and I think this will help him psychologically. If you’re in the mood to gamble I’m willing to bet that Harry Kane get’s rid of his premier league donut this weekend. By that, I mean he scores a goal and against a team that on any given day, can give up a cricket score. Eriksen should be fit for this one and Spurs are overdue for a result.
Pick: Harry Kane score and Tottenham wins (+180)
La Liga special: Atleti v. Barcelona
After 2 games thus far neither team of these teams has conceded a goal. Everyone talks about the goals Barca scores but they don’t give many up either. Diego Simeone, much like Mourinho specializes in shutting down the big name opponents. Though the Catalans have won the last 4 in this fixture, 8 of the last 10 matches have gone under 2.5 goals. The Vicente Calderon is not a cake walk for any visiting team. Expect a tight, intense affair
Pick: Under 2.5 goals (-150)
Last week’s record: 3-2 (+1.5 units)
Overall: 6-12-1 (-8.8 units)