Everton host Chelsea at Goodison Park in the late kickoff on Saturday in the quarter final of the FA Cup. For both sides, it is a final chance to salvage something from what can only be described as very poor seasons for both sides. Everton season was accurately portayed in the home loss to West Ham, where they threw a 2 goal lead away, for the 5th time this season, and eventually lost to West Ham 3-2. Chelsea had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Stoke, and they were also suffered disappointment in the Champions League as they were eliminated at the hands of PSG after a 2-1 defeat. Everton booked their place in the quarters courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Bournemouth and Chelsea cruised into the final 8 dismantling Man City 5-1. Everton will be looking to book a 2nd semi final in a cup competition this season, after making the semi final in the League Cup, and for Chelsea, after a disastrous season, will be trying to salvage a trophy.
Everton Team News:
Left back Bryan Oviedo is set to miss the game with a chest infection, which has plagued the side the past week or two. Gareth Barry and Tom Cleverley are both fit after overcoming a chest infection. Kevin Mirallas will begin his ban after his sending off last weekend. Aaron Lennon will be monitored prior to the kick off as he nurses a hamstring problem.
Possible Starting XI: Robles, Baines, Coleman, Funes Mori, Jagielka, Barry, McCarthy, Barkley, Deulofeu, Lennon, Lukaku
Player to watch: Romelu Lukaku
Despite Everton’s very poor season, the striker has arguably had his best season so far in his young career. The striker had a turbulent time at Chelsea, where has was never really given a chance to stake his claim as the striker there, and his 28mil move to Everton two summers ago was met with some criticisim, and his first season didn’t go exactly as planned, however, he has all but silenced all doubters with his performances, and more importantly goals this campaign. He will be looking to try and inflict some pain on his old side and try to propel Everton to their first Wembley appearance in 5 years.
Chelsea Team News:
Chelsea do have some fitness problems which arose from the defeat to PSG midweek. Star striker Diego Costa limped off with a hamstring problem and is listed as doubtful. Eden Hazard also limped off with a hip problem, but he should be fine to go against Everton. Captain John Terry will be assessed prior to the match as he attempts to return from a hamstring problem. they will be without young defender Kurt Zouma, who is a long term absentee after injuring his knee.
Possible Starting XI: Courtois, Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Matic, Fabregas, Hazard, Willian, Oscar, Remy
Player to watch: Eden Hazard
The Belgian winger has been heavily criticised this season over his poor form, however, no matter his loss of form, he is still a massive threat and if he is afforded time and space, then he will make teams pay. Hazard has the pace and the technical ability to cause any fullback problems and he will be looking to do so against Everton, who have been extremely porous at the back this season
Match Facts & Stats
1. This will be the 10th meeting between the two in the FA Cup, with Chelsea progressing six of those times, with the most notable being the 2-1 victory in the 2009 FA Cup final, which Hiddink was then care taker manager. The last time these two met in the 4th round of the FA Cup and Everton progressed via penalties.
2. Everton have won five of the last nine meetings between the two sides at Goodison Park in all competitions, having also scored in all 9 games. Chelsea have never won at Goodison Park in the FA Cup in 3 attempts.
3. Quarter finals have been a stumbling block for Everton having lost five of their last seven FA Cup quarter finals. However, they have managed to make the Quarter finals 5 times in the last 8 years.
4. Romelu Lukaku has scored in every round of the FA Cup this season.
5. Aaron Lennon, who prior to 2016, had just scored 4 goals in the past 3 years, has scored 6 goals in 2016.
Match Prediction:
Its do or die time for both sides, as the FA Cup is last chance saloon for both, so expect the game to be fierce. Everton’s home form has really been pathetic this season, and the 3-2 defeat to West Ham aptly summed up their home form this season, shocking defending and inability to see out games. If Everton lose this game, you’d expect Martinez to come under some serious pressure, as they sit 12th in the league. I really have no idea what to expect from this game, both sides have been very erratic this season, and I think the game will end in a 2-2 draw. COYB!!!! ABOUT TIME WE WIN A TROPHY!!!!