PaddyPower
Player Valuation: £225k
If there was ever a good time to visit Stamford Bridge this is probably it. Which is handy because Everton have to play there this Saturday regardless of the defending champions’ current form. Chelsea have won just one of their last five in the league, thanks in large part to the absences of vital players such as Terry, Lampard and Essien. Having been beaten so convincingly in their last home game their air of invincibility on their home patch has been shattered. It’s all sounding pretty positive for David Moyes and his side so far, except for the fact that those three vital players could all be set to return to the starting line-up this weekend, the Toffees have also won just once in their last five and they’re coming off a rather embarrassingly poor home defeat to West Brom.
The hard work and defensive tenacity which has exemplified much of Everton’s play so far this season was noticeably lacking and even though Jermaine Beckford is shouldering a large portion of the blame for a display of shooting accuracy we’d normally associate with US troops in Afghanistan, the overall team display simply wasn’t good enough. The former Leeds man is unlikely to start at StamfordBridge though he shouldn’t be used as a scapegoat. One man who should be in the starting line-up is Louis Saha. The Frenchman hasn’t been at his best this season but he has scored four goals in the Merseysider’s last three games against the Londoners, as well as braces from his spells with Fulham and Manchester United. Considering the form of Moyes’ entire striking core these stats are as good a reason as any to give Saha a run out. He’s 10/1 to score the first goal and 35/1 to score two or more. Football also has a habit of offering quick redemption so maybe Beckford can make amends by hitting the last goal at 12/1. If he makes the bench. Of course Tim Cahill has to be mentioned
One thing last week’s result will ensure is a reaction from Moyes’ players and if they can dig in and frustrate Chelsea, then they could well come away with a positive result. Having edged last season’s meetings with a home win and a 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge, as well as holding them to two 0-0 draws the season before, Everton’s style of play is clearly one which Chelsea struggle against. Everton have also drawn five and won one of their last six away games in all competitions, making the 7/2 on the draw a very decent price. As is Everton +1 goal at 21/10, a shorter price than the draw but you’re covered on both the draw and an Everton win. Speaking of an Everton win, at 17/2 against an out-of-form Chelsea, it’s certainly worth at least a small punt. Even if Terry and Lampard do return there’s no guarantee they’ll be up to match speed. Their pride still stinging from the loss to West Brom and their ears still ringing with the sound of Moyes’ voice, Everton should really put it up to Chelsea and if they do then don’t be surprised to see them return to Merseyside with at least a draw.
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