Everton VS Chelsea
In the 4th Gameweek of this season, Chelsea make the long trip north to Merseyside as they play against Everton at Goodson Park.
Everton Scouting Report
In the past this game used to be a very cagey affair with both sides relying on their long ball tactics. Since time passed, Chelsea tried to adopt a different approach. Now passing and poosession dominates their style of play.
Everton decided to go with the flow and after departure of long regime of David Moyes, a man who was renowned for his possession dominated strategy at Wigan Athletic, entered the Goodison Park.
In last game vs Cardiff, the Toffees kept 65% possession, which depicts manager’s philosophy, that he has inbuilt in his team. Everton fans though are facing difficulties in adjusting to this new system there team have adpoted.
When it comes to players, Everton are seemingly much stronger after the departure of Fellaini on the deadline day. The arrival of James McCarthy from Wigan Athletic means now Everton have the influx of four players who played under Roberto Martinez at Wigan Athletic. Furthermore, the arrival of Gareth Barry on loan from Manchester City has added extra steel and experience in this lineup. Had it been enough, Roberto showed us he has a ace up his sleeve and signed Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea on loan, who is ineligible to play this week, which was the final jigsaw.
The striker, thats what they were missing. The crumbling form of Nikica Jelavic and unadjustability of Arouna Kone has been the major reason for their goal drought causing last two league games ending in goal less draws.
Roberto has been successful in keeping Leighton Baines, who has been a major player of their attacking and defensive strategies. Infact in last game, 44% of the attacks were built from left hand side and Baines was a major contributor.
Chelsea Scouting Report
Chelsea on the other hand had a weekend off because of their involvement in the UEFA Super Cup clash on friday vs Bayern Munich which they unfortunately lost on penalties.
However, for Chelsea fans the big news in that Eden Hazard was limped off training for Belgium during the international break after suffering Achillies tendon injury. On the other hand Oscar has also suffered ankle injury in Brazil camp,
This might be a good news as Juan Mata and Willian might be favoured, while Samuel Eto’o and Demba Ba while try to fight with Fernando Torres for single striking spot.
Defensively, Chelsea will be compact, designed to cancel out Everton’s midfield and cut through their defence with fast paced counter. However, keeping the Wednesday Champions League clash again FC Basel in mind, Jose might make some changes to prevent burn out.
Prediction
Overall, we may witness ball moving around from left to right and vice versa from both the teams waiting for an opening.
My Prediction is 0-1 Chelsea, since Everton lack a forward in this game.
