Closed Everton v Chelsea

[bababoom 4,478]

Is Willian actually fast? He's looks nippy but does he actually have out and out pace?

I personally think he has plenty of pace, he doesn't always show it on the ball but he does occasionally out run two or three players like last match and against United at home last season. Without the ball I always see him sprinting up and down the pitch.

[Madmax 9,219]

As great as Ivanovic has been these first two matches, I think I'd personally go with Azpi and Luis as our fullbacks. Ivanovic struggles against wide players with pace. Azpi is the best 1 on 1 defender in the league so having him on Baines' side would make sense. He's also got the recovery speed that Iva just doesn't have.

On the contrary, this is (imo) absolutely not the match to go in with Azpi and Luis as our fullbacks. Ivanovic's recovery speed won't matter too much because I doubt he'd get as far forward as he has been doing recently, meaning there's less space in behind for him to protect. We'll probably see Coleman target Azpi and Ivan will be crucial in dealing with the crosses coming in from that side. Additionally there's the set-piece threat (in both boxes), which assumes even more importance in away games where we see less of the ball and hence create fewer chances from open play. Tbh I think there's a bigger chance of us going in with Ivan and Luis than Azpi and Luis.

[romeeh 139]

we going to lose that match....mark my words

[Hostedenis 556]

we going to lose that match....mark my words

I hope the players don't share that mentality of yours

[BlueLyon 9,359]

Tight but I expect us to win again, 2:1.

Last year we had biggest problems with small sides, if we can keep last seasons form against mid and big teams, we will be champions. But thats a big IF as our defence probably wont be as strong as last year.

[DANILA 290]

I think too many of you are overestimating everton and underestimating chelsea. I think this will be the game where chelsea play well for the full 90, as its gonna be crucial in order to win. This should be the 'break out' game. Sure everton is a decent side but we are better in every position than they are

[Chelsea Legend 11 4,062]

Biggest game of the year to date and people want to chop and change the back 4? Thankfully Jose isn't a stupid man... First game for Luis will likely be the Capital One Cup. Integrate him slowly into the team especially because Cesar has been very good.

Everton are a good side, not to be underestimated, but I just think we have a too much quality to attack areas they are weak in.

[Donev 79]

They`ve just signed Eto.

[iseah100 5,612]

They`ve just signed Eto.

Now we have no chance.

[Liquidator 5,176]

That's not how football works, at all. Or do you have another explanation for April 14th? Chelsea 1-2 Sunderland. At the bridge.

"But some people only see the black and white" being the key part of the first sentence in his post...

[Myself 793]

6-1, mark my words, Everton play too open

Costa hat-trick

Schurrle brace

Fabregas

Lukaku late consolation

:lol: :LOL: i want what you're smoking

[LAM09 7,054]

Eto'o joining Everton should make this weekend's encounter even more interesting.

[Chelsea? 892]

I'm sure we'll out play them. Its only a matter of taking our chances

[Hostedenis 556]

"But some people only see the black and white" being the key part of the first sentence in his post...

Exactly! And him claiming we'll win just because we have better players is a 'white' view, so I countered it with a 'black' view (the Sunderland game). So what I'm saying is that football doesn't work that way (either the black or white) and it's the unpredictability that makes the game great.

Personally I think Everton are a side not to underestimate, very strong opponents. I can see them finish top 5 again this year, with Man United below them and one of Spurs or Liverpool. I think it'll be a tight game, I'll probably be clenching my butt a lot but as long as we take the three points I'll be a very happy chap. I suppose a draw wouldn't be too bad but I'd love to see Chelsea take 3 points.

[thekid9 418]

That's not how football works, at all. Or do you have another explanation for April 14th? Chelsea 1-2 Sunderland. At the bridge.

Read the post I was replying to......I was arguing that being the better team doesn't always mean you will win.

[Hostedenis 556]

Read the post I was replying to......I was arguing that being the better team doesn't always mean you will win.

In that case, I misunderstood your comment, and we think the same. My apologies

[thekid9 418]

In that case, I misunderstood your comment, and we think the same. My apologies

No worries bro! xD

[Dy-lan 142]

Honestly don't expect Eto'o to play. Doubt he's match fit. Didn't lukaku pick up an injury as well last week?

[mannyfreshh 164]

I wanna see filipe luis and MvG play.

[OneMoSalah 8,886]

Why would Jose drop Schurrle? Everton play with a very high line and his diagonal runs could be very very effective. Same team again I'd imagine except for Oscar out Ramires in, 3 man midfield with Matic holding. Diego Costa will make people see why we sold Lukaku in this game I think. I can see us reverting to a more counter attacking orientated game plan as Everton will probably have lots of the ball and push both fullbacks up and leave themselves very open which I think plays into our hands with players like Costa, Schurrle and Hazard in the team.