Chelsea News 24/7Writer: Merlin 
Date:Saturday December 29 2012
Time: 10:20AM
UK time is: 15:19:20
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'If It's Football, It's Vital'
Everton vs. Chelsea
Goodison Park
30/12/12
13:30
On Sky
Everton v Chelsea Preview
We`re certainly clocking up the miles this December. Leeds, Yokohoma City (Japan), Norwich and now Goodison Park is our next stop. Many suspected Chelsea to be showing signs of tiredness but that hasn`t been the case. Chelsea battled to a narrow win against Norwich, on Boxing Day, and will be hoping to do something similar against David Moyes side, in front of the Sky Sports cameras. Can we do it? We`ll soon see!
Vital Quotes:
Our recent record, at Goodison Park, is far from exemplary, however, following the Boxing Day games, Petr Cech has recognised the need to keep things more than just ticking over when he remarked ahead of the game
"You need to get a run of games where you get three points. That is the only way to close the gap and take advantage when the other teams slip."
"We have closed the gap on City and hopefully have opened the gap on the teams behind. City losing was another positive thing. Getting more points against Everton would be a really big win."
Everton Team News:
David Moyes has a few concerns with regards to his squad ahead of the game. The reputed Chelsea target Marouane Fellaini is suspended, serving the last of a three game ban whilst Tony Hibbert and Kevin Mirallas are out injured.
On a positive note, Seamus Coleman could return from injury whilst Darron Gibson, who went off with a thigh injury on Boxing Day, could also be in consideration.
Player to watch: Leon Osman
Gate-crashed the England squad at a late age but a more than decent player who, like our own Frank Lampard, has an eye for a goal.
Chelsea Team News:
Rafa Benitez takes his side to Goodision with relatively few injury concerns. John Terry remains on the injured list whilst Danny Sturridge appears to have been wrapped up in cotton-wool ahead of his proposed move to Anfield.
Last time out, Frank Lampard and Eden Hazard were rested against Norwich City, both may come back into the starting eleven as Rafa continues to rotate his squad over the festive season.
Player to watch: Juan Mata
Having the season of his young life and has pleaded with Rafa Benitez to not rest him. Let`s hope the boss takes heed as Mata is not only our chief playmaker but also riding high in the scoring charts with 13 this season.
Match Facts & Stats
Goodison Park, in recent times, hasn`t been a happy hunting ground for Chelsea. Our last four visits have seen us lose three times and draw once. In fact delving further into the history books, we find that we`ve only registered one win in the last eight meetings with Everton.
However, statistics also show that in December Premier league meetings between the two clubs, Everton haven`t registered a win in seven attempts, drawing five and losing two.
Ref Watch:
Our officials for the fixture up at Goodison Park are:- Referee - Howard Webb Assistant - M. Mullarky Assistant - D. Cann Fourth Official - P. Dowd
Match Prediction:
This really is a titanic clash. Everton are flying and we appear to have been rejuvenated with Rafa Benitez in charge. Can Rafa keep the side ticking over or will Goodison Park be a trip to far? I`m going for the latter with Chelsea nicking it by the odd goal in three although I have this feeling we may need to come from behind.
Next Fixtures:
Our next fixture, on 2nd January 2012, is against some ramshackle mob from down the road managed by Harry Redknapp, for the moment their name escapes me!
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Your Comments
Howard webb? Well its very certain that we can't win this game, he'll either serve up a red card and multiple yellows, he'll award a penalty and 2 offside goals... But on a serious note, I think everton will still be strong without the trio of mirallas,fellaini and gibson, but I'll have loved to play them when they are hot, so we'll be able to assess the team weaknesses and strength once more before the transfer window opens, and we'll also see what benitez can do again with a decent opposition, but not to take anything away from both teams, its gonna be an exciting game to watch and I predict a fiercely fought out win for chelsea
Desmondadonis
Bottom line for me is a ) whether we win , b) Rafas performance and c)Torres performance
Blue_Mel
In my opinion this match will show us whether we are a title contender or not.Everton hasn't lost this season a single match against a top 6 opposition,so if we defeat them it will be a statement for City and United and a huge psycological boost for our players at the same time.We will definitely benefit from the absentees in Everton's squad,although it would have been a very curious midfield clash between Luiz and arguably their MVP so far this season-Fellaini.We have the momentum and the confidence needed to leave Goodison Park victorious,so fingers crossed we do.
Simeon23
@simeon..I totally agree
Blue_Mel
This match will really determine whether we are potential title challengers.
Elbowz
West Brom are not interested when play manure. They give their all vs Chelsea though.
foreign_viewer
The only teams who give their all vs manure are City, Liverpool, Spurs and us. The rest just give up without trying. To imagine that we lost points vs West Brom when they are so rubbish.
foreign_viewer
bad day. Both city and united win. We have to win at all cost tomorrow.
Blue India
Yes,Elbowz, its the perfect test to our title ambition and a good acid test to the ability and strength of the team. Benitez really need a win here cos it will be assumed that he is yet to prove himself against a strong side if he doesnt make the best out of this one.
Ohans
Chalobah is better than what I thought. Surprized by his ball retention and passing.
foreign_viewer
Cech- Azpi-Iva-Cahill-Cole- Luiz-Rami- Moses-Mata-Hazard - Torres. Lamps should not start.
SameX
IMO not Lamps,but Torres shouldn't start.I'd rather try anybody as a striker but him,because whenever he's on the pitch,it's like we're playing with 10 men.
Simeon23
There is no room for calculations. Evertybody won. I don't know how, but we must win this.
Luna
In Rafa I Trust!
Fernando.9.Torres
walcott looked class tonite both in the wings and in the middle...no way arsenal is going to sell now...sad
layorh12
@Layorh12..i have been saying this about Walcott from early in the season. Wenger will be crazy not to pay this guy and keep him at the emirates..if he is that mad we would be stupid not to snap him up immediately. That was a virtuso perfromance and those who say Walcott is not Chelsea quality need their heads examined. Compared to our 50 million dollar striker this guy is way better both as a central striker and a wing forward.
GabeU
@GabeU...the guy is maturing fast..that was a stunning performance...i still hope we get him though...even at the 18m range...can you just imagine an attacking midfield trio of Walcott-Mata(Oscar)-hazard...behind a decent striker...or a band of Oscar(Moses)-Mata- Hazard behind Wlacott...pace all over...that will be awesome against certain type of opposition...I will forget about danny immediately..and no disrespect intended..
layorh12
Chelsea will not play Walcott as central striker in most games as we have Miss Torres. Walcott might ask for a clause in his contract so that Chelsea will have to play him as a central striker. Rumor has it, Wenger wants Nani and Fergie is interested in Walcott, they might do a straight swap. Watch the space.
B2K420
I think we should start Luiz and Ramires in pivot for this match... we need pace and quick forward passes in this match.... My major worries are Torres and Moses, I hope they both have a good game... We should start the same forward four of Hazard-Mata-Moses-Torres, replace Moses with Piazon if he's not playing well and bring in Oscar into the pivot if we need more creativity and control from deep-midfield.....
Latunvic
@b2k hmm...its gonna be a very interesting window...i wont really be bothered about what Wenger and Red nose are trying to do...the player himself will play a huge part in where he plays..since he only has 6 months left on his present contract...its gointa be an interesting window no doubt...
layorh12
Walcott had a terrific game today, he has always showed good quality and I have always rated him as a good player. It baffled me when some here called him one-trick pony and say he only runs with the ball, is rubbish and can't finish.....
Latunvic
Some are already creating excuses for everton so if we beat them they would raise it but if they beat us they would be glad to mock rafa.dont forget we also have notable absentees like Jt,romeu and sturridge so thats not an excuse..however i hope we win tomorow no matter the scoreline(though i want an emphatic victory).....walcott ooze class,the lad is improvin with every single game
Ken4CFC
@Latunvic: I am sure Moses will have a better game than Torres, pity we have no other Powerful striker we can use against Everton and Stoke. Everton's game plan will be simple, 1) Do not give Chelsea players any time on the ball 2) defend with 10 men behind the ball 3) attack them on the counter. 4) Don't worry about Torres as he will go down or loose the ball when you are a yard away from him, lol 5) Make sure Moses does not get the ball close to our 18 yard box, double up on Moses and leave Torres alone as he will not be in any good position where he can score from. RAFA knows this lets see if can find a way to beat Everton. @layorh12: I agree with you, we shall see what Emenalo does in this window hopefully we shall do good/early business like last time.
B2K420
if Wenger does a Walcott / Nani swap , he will be the loser out of the deal again. Read that its possible Chelseaii9u might even be in for Nani .
Blue_Mel
Walcott is better than Bale.
SameX
With the latest development,Walcott will likely remain at Arsenal. I don't think any right thinking coach will let go such a red hot striker without a serious fight. But on the bright side, if RVP can be left,who wouldnt? especially when they cant meet conditions given by players. January is very close now and the die is cast. Fingers crossed
Ohans
I was hoping Wenger would keep marginalising Walcott so he would leave I can see Walcott signing now. If he does leave I can see the transfer fee rising by another 3 or 4 million.
Anarchy
I hope tomorrow we are not left bemoaning our lack of srikers seems like this weekend has been dominated by strikers.
Anarchy
Anyone seen this kid; Hachim Mastour...... this kid is talented and can become great if properly nurtured and coached, he's full of raw skills and tricks... my only fear for him are his legs; I hope defenders wont wreck those skillful legs he's got... Italy has got some interesting young talents.... Watch the kid here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=ZdyCF5fdBw4&NR=1
Latunvic
Walcott better than Bale?. So Bale is a striker now?
foreign_viewer
foreign_viewer. Walcott is not a striker neither.
ddrogba
Can't wait for this match. Have this gut feeling that it's going to be a wild affair with the opening goal scored in the first few minutes minutes. Cmon Chelsea!
ForeverChels
Gabeu and layor12, I said it when I heard we were selling sturridge, walcott really improved this season and his stats this season is frightening, if we buy him and stop him from being injured all the time with our fantastic medical staff.. He can play as a CF and as a winger and he'll give both hazard and moses a run for their money any day on the wings if need be...I'll say snap him up chelsea, even if its for 15m, man utd are reaping from RVP's purchase, we can do the same with this lad
Desmondadonis
Everton is slightly an attacking side and i think they will be going all out to win this one. I reckon if we can be disciplined enough,we'll take the 3 points at stake. We struggle more against teams that sit back and hit on counter attack. Hopefully too,we can take good advantage of their key absentees.
Ohans
Walcott is a striker.
foreign_viewer
walcott is red hot atm, he can also be frustrating when he's not in form.
Africanblue
That's when he plays on the wings.
foreign_viewer
Think you guys have caught us at the right moment. Seems we will be missing half our starting XI, including Fellaini, Mirallas and Gibson who are so vital to this side. If we had our fully fit side, would fancy Everton given it is at Goodison, but given the injuries/suspension, not so confident, I would definitely take a draw if it was offered before the match. Although, I am sure it will not be easy for Chelsea, especially since it is the first time the fat Spanish**** comes back to Goodison, hopefully can expect a hostile environment
Rob-EFC
Lol..@Rob Efc,feck off loser. U 're right though, it wont be an easy for either side.
Ohans
@Rob-EFC,we also have our own absentees in JT,romeu,sturridge and bertrand so thats not an excuse.#AdmitYouAreScared
Ken4CFC
@Rob-EFC,we also have our own absentees in JT,romeu,sturridge and bertrand so thats not an excuse.#AdmitYouAreScared
Ken4CFC
Since when did 3players make half a starting IX?? its 11players not 6players
Ken4CFC
everton will be very hostile today partly due to our manager running his big mouth in the past. We have to strengthen him and the team today by backing him. That is going to be too much to ask i feel from the travelling fans.
Blue India
Walcott is a one trick pony who can finish. Other than those, he is a crap footballer skill, talent and brain wise. I am not buying this hype at all. Sami Nasri had a similar form during the first half of the year in his last full season at Arsenal and then sold to city where he has done diddly squat. Apply our salary space elsewhere like a CF like demba ba and a central midfielder. Those are much more important.
KAKUfrank
Feck off loser? Right mate, top class banter. Can see when you became a Chelsea "supporter"
Rob-EFC
Ken, if you want to be a smart arse, word around has us missing Neville, Coleman, Gibson, Mirallas and Fellaini, 5 of our starting line up, now I know it isn't quiet half of our starting line up, but close enough. Not to mention, the 5 I mentioned play a big part for Everton and are certain starters, whereas the players that Chelsea will be missing only Terry is a certain starter, pretty big difference wouldn't you say Ken?
Rob-EFC
even if we are playing against Everton B team, I dont give a hutt really to be honest..i just pray we get the three points and move on..the competition i really fierce this season, we cant afford to drop points.
layorh12
cech-iva-azipli-cahil-cole-lamps-rami-luiz-mata-harzard-tores
pego sama
today's officiall team=cech-iva-azipli-cahil-cole-lamps-rami-luiz-mata-harzard-tores
pego sama
Team: Cech; Azpili, Ivan, Cahill, Cole; D Luiz, Lamps (c); Ram, Mata, Hazard; Torres. Subs: Turn, Fer, Ake, Oscar, Marin, Piazon, Moses.
pego sama
Our starting line up...Chelsea XI v Everton: Cech; Azpilicueta, Ivan, Cahill, Cole; Luiz, Lampard; Ramires, Mata, Hazard; Torres...thats Tubby with another tactical switch...it looks very much like a 4-3-3..now this match will be very interesting...
layorh12
Ramires is on the wings. Rafa the tinkering master. Lets see how the performance will be today. Today will be a big judgement day for him.
Chelz Akamz
tubby's mixing it up again..lol...cant remember the last time we lined up in a 4-3-3..looks good on paper though...i just hope its not a 4-2-3-1 with ramires on the wings...the more i look at it the more i think ts a 4-3-3. midfield three of luiz, Rammy, Lampard.
layorh12
Howard webb? Now that's my major worries as far as this fixture is concern.
valachi
@Kaku, Walcott crap footballer skill, talent and brain wise? tell me you don't mean that.. The fact that Mancini isn't playing him regularly doesn't mean he's crap, it all boils down the coach's choice and game plan as talents abound at Mancity... Does it mean players like Balotteli and Higuain are also crap since they don't feature much these days.... Though I agree if all we want to buy is a striker then we should go for a competent CF like Ba, Bony etc but I certainly won't mind adding Walcott to the list to play as wing forward.....
Latunvic
well from CFC website, our formation is confirmed as a 4-2-3-1 with rammy playing from the wing on the right...lets see how this goes...although i observed since we lost the CWC, Tubby has not paired Lamps and Rammy in the pivot...he must have observed something...all the best chelsea
layorh12
Yeah,its more of a 4-3-3. Lets believe this line up is not adopted in a bid to defend. I cant bear to see us defend against Everton today.
Ohans
I think it's a decent enough line up, let's just hope Luiz can remain disciplined and Lamps put up a great performance... Anyone knows what's happening to Bertrand, he's been consistently missing from team list these days.......
Latunvic
4-2-3-1? This Rafa guy wants to do a Di Matteo. Sending Rammy to the wing,i get it,this is just another way to accomodate super franky. I will want Lamps to be the more forward of the 3.
Ohans
He's sending Ramires out there to chase down Baines.
CobhamBlue
@Rob-EFC,Word around?the same word around that coleman and gibson are much likely to feature today..of all the players u mentioned i think its only fellaini's absence is a plus to us,i dont give a damn about the rest....in case u dont know nobody is a starter in Chelsea anymore(except torres-no alternative),the squad is under rotation..so lets enjoy the game and not come up with flimzy excuses
Ken4CFC
I'll have preferred oscar to rammy in this team news, but let's wait and see, and about walcott being a one trick pony, I'll take that one trickster to score the amount of goals he is scoring than our talented torres!!!
Desmondadonis
Latunvic,bertrand was injured in the leeds game
Ken4CFC
Ken4cfc, give rob a break mate, he is right that they are missing key players, but mind u, no matter who everton field they'll fight for 90 mins and they'll fight hard.. I just hope we get all 3 points, I really hope webb won't spoil our fun
Desmondadonis
Oh, ok! Thanks @Ken4CFC... can't recall him getting injured in that game.....
Latunvic
@Rob,however if its true their all gonna be missing thats why u have a 25 man squad list
Ken4CFC
@des,rob might be right they are missing keyplayers but is it our fault??we got none of them injured or suspended,they have a 25 man squad,the should easily pick a replacement after all they are all paid to bleed for the everton shirt.
Ken4CFC
Latunvic,u are welcome mate
Ken4CFC
@Latunviv, Sami Nasri is overpriced, overhyped and overrated. Mancini doesn't play him often because he is simply not good enough for Man City. Balotelli is a a different analysis. He is young and a lunatic. Don't mention higuain in the same boat. It is insulting and is not the same case. Compare Sami Nasir's performance on stats only and for the price paid and salary paid, he is crap. Higuain scores consistently for club and country irrespective of status on the team. And yea I meant what I said about Walcott? Minus pace and finishing, what else does he have as a football player that is better than mazacar or even KDB?
KAKUfrank
3 worthy points well earned
Kendemsblue
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