Everton take on Chelsea today looking to start December on a high after a woeful November which saw Everton pick up just 3 points in five games.
Chelsea have looked out of sorts themselves in recent weeks after suffering defeats at the hands of Sunderland and Birmingham. Chelsea will be looking to close the gap on Manchester United as their game against newly promoted Blackpool has been postponed.
A win for Chelsea today would see them top the pile whilst Everton could in theory soar into the top half of the league depending on goal difference and other results. A draw today would not do either side any favours as they strive to get their seasons back on track.
Moyes asks for more from players.
I was disappointed with the attitude in the first half against West Brom. The display was not what I expect.’
“But what I have got is an honest group of players who care. They are good men and I think they know deep down what needs to be done to put things right.’
“We have tended to bounce back in the past and that hasn`t always been with a win but I want to see more. I need a performance that gives us a better felling than we got last weekend.
“We have had pretty good results there (Chelsea) in the past, and also sometimes when we have been up against it.
“Last year we had John Heitinga and Lucas Neill at centre half and it ended up 3-3. Then there was the year we lost the League Cup semi-final to them and then went there afterwards in the league. I remember thinking ‘this is going to be very difficult` and we got a good draw.
“I think we have had some good results against them but it is one of the grounds you go to and you know it is going to be very tough for you
‘
Chelsea Team News:
Captain John Terry is set to return after suffering sciatic nerve problem in his right leg.
Mikel Essien is back from a three match ban and their is an outside chance that Frank Lampard could return this afternoon although he looks to be facing an uphill struggle against to be fit in time.
Yuri Zhirkov and Yossi Benayoun are both still absent while Jacob Mellis is suspended.
Drogba could be left out after claiming that he is still recovering from malaria.
Possible Start XI
Cech, Bosingwa, Terry, Ivanovic, Cole, Essien, Mikel, Malouda, Kalou, Anelka, Drogba.
Player to watch: Drogba
The Ivory Coast international has netted six times in his last nine Premier League appearences against Everton and judging by the recent state of our back line he could well add to that tally.
Everton Team News:
Everton will be without Mikel Arteta who is serving the first game of a three match ban after seeing red last weekend. Tony Hibbert and Leon Osman are also out with ankle injuries.
Jagielka is a doubt and will take a late fitness test.
In lighter news Fellaini is back from serving his own three match ban and looks set to slot straight back into the the starting XI.
Captain Fantastic, Phil Neville looks set to return after suffering with fluid on his knee.
Possible Starting XI
Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Anichebe, Heitinga, Fellaini, Pienaar, Cahill, Yakubu
Player to watch: Cahill
Timmy now has eight league goals to his name this season and has a knack of scoring against Chelsea with his overhead kick being the pick of the bunch.
Hopefully one of our strikers will start doing their job but until then Timmy looks to be our only attacking threat.
Match Facts & Stats
*Today is David Moyes’ 400th game in charge of Everton, he is the third manager in our history to make it to that landmark with only Harry Catterick and Howard Kendall taking charge of more games.
*Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 15 league home games against Everton but the last four in a row have ended as draws
Everton’s only ever Premier League win at Stamford Bridge came in November 1994 when Paul Rideout’s goal gave the toffees a 1-0 win
Despite Chelsea’s recent defensive woes, Petr Cech has kept eight Premier League clean sheets this season, more than any other goalkeeper
Chelsea have not lost consecutive league games at Stamford Bridge since May 2002
Everton have drawn four of their last five Premier League away games and the last three in a row
Everton have managed only three top-flight wins this season, but have lost only five of their last 26 league matches
Ref Watch:
Lee Probert
Match Prediction:
I would love to see Everton bounce back from last weekends disgrace but this is a very good Chelsea side and I have my doubts if we could pull of any kind of result. I think we will lose today 2-1. However I feel that the performance is more important today the players need to show some passion and pride. If they cant get themselves motivated for games like these then somethings got to change.