Closed Everton v Chelsea

[Rmpr 8,977]

I know I have already said I would be contented with a draw, but if we go to Everton and win we must be again considered as title challengers.

IF Manure had draw on the 26th I would consider us title contenders already. I know both Manchester teams would still be favorites, but we would be in the race!

This is the most important game for Rafa (in England) yet, it will be a really good game to judge him. A draw is a good result for a top4 aspiration, but a win is a must if Benitez honestly believes we can be champions.

I do fear for our chances though, each week there are less games for our rivals to lose points. In my opinion, it depends more on Manure losing than us winning.

I am expecting a very open game, Everton 1-2 Chelsea.

[DH1988 1,331]

I think we really need to pin Baines back like another poster said with Moses and possible Ramires playing with Luiz in this one.

The worst thing we could do is play a defensive minded pivot I'd much prefer Ramires and Luiz in there due to the engine of Ramires running forward into space with Moses/Apzi against Baines. I really think that it can be done down their left side. Baines has created so many chances for them this season.

[KonohasOrangeFlash 2,607]

I know I have already said I would be contented with a draw, but if we go to Everton and win we must be again considered as title challengers.

Not really. Not unless we add a CM/DM and more important than anything, a striker who can regularly score goals against weaker and stronger teams.

That's one of, if not the largest contributing factors to the start of our rot. Goals started drying up and our midfielders couldn't keep picking up Torres's goal burden. We're back on Track now that Nando is scoring. Its no coincidence.

If we add Those two things in January and are within, say 8 points of the top, then we are an outside chance at the title. Although admittedly City look a shadow of the team they were last year (I think we can steamroll them for 2nd place). It's ManUre who look so formiddable (Attacking wise). They are like a machine at the moment.

[DH1988 1,331]

Further to my post I would really expect Rafa to come up with a plan for Baines, he is always billed as a tactical genius so lets see.. Moyes is no slouch either.

[Jase 43,479]

Neil Jones ‏@neiljonesecho

Moyes said Seamus Coleman has "a chance" of facing Chelsea. Darron Gibson to be assessed. Kevin Mirallas won't play.

[chelsea blue 615]

Provisional squads:

Everton: Howard, Mucha, Neville, Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Naismith, Osman, Gibson, Pienaar, Jelavic, Heitinga, Hitzlsperger, Oviedo, Barkley, Vellios, Gueye, Duffy, Anichebe.

Chelsea: Cech, Azpilicueta, Ferreira, Ivanovic, Luiz, Cahill, Cole, Bertrand, Mikel, Lampard, Ramires, Mata, Oscar, Hazard, Moses, Marin, Piazon, Torres, Turnbull.

[Stats 7,060]

Huge relief Mirallas is out. His pace has been terrorizing defenders this season. I hope we can win this match, always a tough match for us but wiht our momentum and stronger squad going into the game I think we will win this one. I would prefer to see Lampard on the bench for this match.

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Ramires and Luiz have 4 yellow cards and we will play again with white shirts and for sure Matta will score.hahah

Rami has 5 yellows and served his 1 game ban against Leeds.

[Shogun 721]

Huge relief Mirallas is out. His pace has been terrorizing defenders this season. I hope we can win this match, always a tough match for us but wiht our momentum and stronger squad going into the game I think we will win this one. I would prefer to see Lampard on the bench for this match.

Shame he's a crock.

[TheTernie 3]

Looking back for this epic match, full of emotions and beautiful goals.

I hope it won't be hard game as in 06/07. No Fellaini, no Terry, but lose won't be surprise. I wish luck for Torres and looking forward for good performance

:cfc: :cfc: :cfc:

[Jase 43,479]

What about Chelsea press conference?? Would be tomorrow I think.

No press conference for this game and they don't do press conference on Saturday.

Regardless of that though, the club's in-house TV will always interview with the manager ahead of the game every week to get their thoughts. And here it is for this weekend:

[Slinky 1]

Without Fellani makes things slightly easier but I still think it could be quite a tough game.

I think this is the bigger test as to what we have faced the last week or two.

I predict a draw. If we get a win, we really are picking up again.

[Jase 43,479]

Ramires and Luiz have 4 yellow cards and we will play again with white shirts and for sure Matta will score.hahah

Rami has 5 yellows and served his 1 game ban against Leeds.

Luiz has picked up 5 yellow cards as well(4 in PL and 1 in LC) and served that 1 game ban against West Ham already.

[Ankit 3,176]

Rafa Bentiez hasn't lost to Moyes in 7 meetings.

[Jase 43,479]

This is good fact for us

Not sure if that would make much of a difference for us. Everton seem to have this inferiority complex when they face Liverpool at anytime resulting in constant defeats to Benitez's side while we seem to have an inferority complex whenever we have played Everton in recent years. We have only won 1 of our last 8 Premier League meetings against Everton - W1 D4 L3.

Edited December 28, 2012 by BluesMaster

[Sheva. 5,373]

We have only won 1 of our last 8 Premier League meetings against Everton - W1 D4 L4.

Fucking hell, time to start changing this.

[Jase 43,479]

Fucking hell, time to start changing this.

Sorry. That should read - W1 D4 L3.

[Rmpr 8,977]

Sorry. That should read - W1 D4 L3.

Oh, now I feel much better!