J
Joao Moutinho
Guest
How's it going everyone, hope you all had a good Christmas. Won't let me make this a match thread for some reason but not to worry. Here is my preview for the Chelsea game, full article is here. Enjoy and COYB:
Having picked up consecutive Premier League victories for the first time since the end of September confidence will be high at Goodison Park heading into Sunday’s key clash with European Champions Chelsea who have recently stumbled into some form of their own having taken time to click under interim manager Rafael Benitez.
The former Liverpool manager, Benitez, will surely be in for a hostile reception upon his return to Merseyside and the blue side of the city will be hoping to take a vital three points off of his team. Recent meetings between the two indicate that Everton may have a chance of getting something from the game as they have a decent record against Chelsea, especially at Goodison Park, having won both of the last two Premier League encounters. Everton’s record at home against the Big 4 is also very impressive and will be hoping that the home faithful can raise the spirits of the troops.
Unfortunately though for Everton they have only kept two clean sheets this season and have failed to do so in their last 14 games. Chelsea have scored 26 goals in their last 7 games and stopping them from adding to that total will be at the top of David Moyes’ priorities. Much has been made of Chelsea’s quartet of attacking prowess and their strengths are well known. If their are any weaknesses they will have to be zoned in on by Everton’s back 4.
It is likely that Everton will have injury worries to deal with too with Tony Hibbert, Seamus Coleman and Kevin Mirallas all likely to miss out having not been fit enough for the last few games. Although there is a slight chance that Mirallas and Coleman could return. It is also possible that Darron Gibson could miss out given that he was taken off at half time during the 2-1 win against Wigan at the weekend, although that seemed to be more precautionary than anything and Gibson will be keen to feature given that his red card against West Ham was overturned by an FA disciplinary panel. Big Belgian Marouane Fellaini will also be missing through suspension which only thins David Moyes’ squad.
On the plus side though Everton have shown a resilience this season that is almost unparalleled throughout the league. On 9 occasions this season they have conceded the first goal and not lost the game, which is an outstanding record although the goals conceded by his side will be a concern for Moyes. As well as that Everton have been playing some of the best football that has been played at Goodison in recent memory, despite the injury depleted squad.
If Everton can get their tempo going and nullify Chelsea’s creative threat then they will be able to get something from the game. It is likely that this will not be a game for the neutrals and it is sure to be a tight affair but one that really could go either way. And if Everton can grab the win it will definitely boost their hopes of reaching the Champions League next season and will, if temporarily, take them above Chelsea in the league into third spot.
Having picked up consecutive Premier League victories for the first time since the end of September confidence will be high at Goodison Park heading into Sunday’s key clash with European Champions Chelsea who have recently stumbled into some form of their own having taken time to click under interim manager Rafael Benitez.
The former Liverpool manager, Benitez, will surely be in for a hostile reception upon his return to Merseyside and the blue side of the city will be hoping to take a vital three points off of his team. Recent meetings between the two indicate that Everton may have a chance of getting something from the game as they have a decent record against Chelsea, especially at Goodison Park, having won both of the last two Premier League encounters. Everton’s record at home against the Big 4 is also very impressive and will be hoping that the home faithful can raise the spirits of the troops.
Unfortunately though for Everton they have only kept two clean sheets this season and have failed to do so in their last 14 games. Chelsea have scored 26 goals in their last 7 games and stopping them from adding to that total will be at the top of David Moyes’ priorities. Much has been made of Chelsea’s quartet of attacking prowess and their strengths are well known. If their are any weaknesses they will have to be zoned in on by Everton’s back 4.
It is likely that Everton will have injury worries to deal with too with Tony Hibbert, Seamus Coleman and Kevin Mirallas all likely to miss out having not been fit enough for the last few games. Although there is a slight chance that Mirallas and Coleman could return. It is also possible that Darron Gibson could miss out given that he was taken off at half time during the 2-1 win against Wigan at the weekend, although that seemed to be more precautionary than anything and Gibson will be keen to feature given that his red card against West Ham was overturned by an FA disciplinary panel. Big Belgian Marouane Fellaini will also be missing through suspension which only thins David Moyes’ squad.
On the plus side though Everton have shown a resilience this season that is almost unparalleled throughout the league. On 9 occasions this season they have conceded the first goal and not lost the game, which is an outstanding record although the goals conceded by his side will be a concern for Moyes. As well as that Everton have been playing some of the best football that has been played at Goodison in recent memory, despite the injury depleted squad.
If Everton can get their tempo going and nullify Chelsea’s creative threat then they will be able to get something from the game. It is likely that this will not be a game for the neutrals and it is sure to be a tight affair but one that really could go either way. And if Everton can grab the win it will definitely boost their hopes of reaching the Champions League next season and will, if temporarily, take them above Chelsea in the league into third spot.
not sure if serious...
