Chelsea FC welcome Everton to Stamford Bridge for a Premier League clash. The teams have now been confirmed.
Roberto Martinez brings his dangerous Toffees side to take on Guus Hiddink’s Chelsea in what should be an entertaining affair. The respective team sheets are now in!
Chelsea FC
Thibaut Courtois;
Branislav Ivanovic, Kurt Zouma, John Terry (C), Cesar Azpilicueta;
John Obi Mikel, Nemanja Matic;
Willian, Cesc Fabregas, Pedro;
Diego Costa;
Subs: Begovic, Baba, Cahill, Loftus-Cheek, Kenedy, Oscar, Remy
Everton
Tim Howard;
Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka (C), John Stones, Bryan Oviedo;
Gareth Barry, Muhamed Besic;
Kevin Mirallas, Ross Barkley, Aaron Lennon;
Romelu Lukaku
Subs: Joel, Kone, Cleverley, Deulofeu, Osman, Pienaar, Funes Mori
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Guus Hiddink makes one change from the team that drew with West Brom on Wednesday night as Nemnaja Matic returns to the starting line-up in place of Oscar. With Matic, John Obi Mikel and Cesc Fabregas all being on the pitch, the Spaniard is likely to take up the advanced role this afternoon.
Mikel, meanwhile, has been in decent form for the Blues and it seems that Hiddink fears what is a dangerous Everton counter-attack. Having both Mikel and Matic side by side should help to mitigate any fast breaks.
Pedro continues on the wing, despite being subbed at half time a few days ago. Kenedy came on and was instrumental in Chelsea’s second goal, but he is still unable to break into the starting line-up, news that will undoubtedly disappoint Blues fans.
Furthermore, Ruben Loftus-Cheek is once again on the bench as he suffers from the same inability to displace the established stars. After Hiddink’s indication that he wants to utilise the youngsters, there is little evidence of it here. Having said that, being in the advanced role may enable Fabregas to express himself more freely effectively with little defensive work to do.
Diego Costa takes up the starting striker role after a petulant display against the Baggies. His antics dominated proceedings as his recent impressive form was thrown out of the window. Hiddink, though, has decided to keep faith in the fiery forward despite Loic Remy being fit and available. The Frenchman may be needed off the bench at some point, mind.
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On the other side of affairs, Roberto Martinez makes three changes to the side that earned a goalless point at the Etihad.
There is a defensive shuffle as Bryan Oviedo comes in for Ramiro Funes Mori. It is believed that the Costa Rican will take up the left-back slot, switching Leighton Baines to the opposite flank. John Stones, meanwhile, will partner Phil Jagielka at the heart of proceedings.
Kevin Mirallas comes in for Gerard Deulofeu in an intriguing decision. The latter is arguable the Toffees’ best player in terms of raw talent and he has linked up impressively with Romelu Lukaku throughout the campaign. Having said that, Deulofeu has been rotated in recent weeks and perhaps Martinez is saving him for an impact substitution later on.
Leon Osman also drops to the bench for Aaron Lennon. With Branislav Ivanovic occupying Chelsea’s right-back position, expect the pacy winger to cause troubles down Everton’s left flank all day long.
With the likes of Lukaku in the form that he is in expect the Belgian to make an impact on his return to Stamford Bridge. Furthermore, having a bench that features Deulofeu and Arouna Kone means that a late twist is possible.
Next: Guus Hiddink Dismisses Transfer Talk, Willian Comments On New Deal
What do you think of the team? Any players unjustifiably left out? Let us know in the comments below!