My Match of the Week

Chelsea v Everton

Stamford Bridge

What a game this promises to be at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. Chelsea come into this game on the back of 1-1 draw at St. James’ Park last Sunday. That draw at Newcastle saw the Blues surrender top spot in the league only for the first time this season after a string of disappointing results.

Everton’s league form has been far from impressive this season, the Toffees fell to a shock 1-4 home defeat to West Bromwich Albion last Saturday. Most of the season’s flak has been directed towards Liverpool’s Roy Hodgson but it seems that is gradually shifting to cross town rivals Everton with David Moyes coming under close scrutiny this weekend.

This game offers a lot for both teams; for Chelsea, reclaiming top spot is a priority while watching their backs with Arsenal breathing down their necks. Everton are nervously looking over their shoulders as they hang precariously over the relegation zone; with two points separating the Toffees from relegation waters, three points at Stamford Bridge will calm those fears for now.

Chelsea are still without inspirational captain John Terry, Frank Lampard and Michael Essien. The Blues have suffered in the absence of the trio and the return to fitness for these players will be a massive boost for Carlo Ancelotti’s team with games coming thick and fast this period. Didier Drogba hasn’t been in top form since his last bout of malaria and the league champions are struggling to find the net in the league.

Everton’s problems are quite comical to say the least, Moyes’ team have had problems in the goal-scoring department lately, a testament of their current league position. With mercurial midfield maestro Mikel Arteta suspended for this game, Everton will have to look elsewhere for creativity in the centre of the pack. The sooner Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Louis Saha and Jermaine Beckford get amongst the goals the better the Toffees’ prospects in escaping the relegation dog-fight.

This fixture has traditionally been an entertaining one down the years and Sunday’s encounter will live to expectations given the backdrop of both teams’ recent run of games. Everton have played three of the so called ‘Big 4’ at Goodison Park this season and claimed four points from a possible nine (a 2-0 win over Liverpool, a 3-3 draw with Manchester United and a 1-2 loss to Arsenal). Will the Toffees be out of their comfort zone against a wounded Chelsea team at Stamford Bridge? Or is it a bridge too far?

Men to Watch

For Chelsea, Didier Drogba and Ashley Cole are the players to watch. Drogba has been out of the goals for too long. I have the inkling that when Drogba starts scoring again, Chelsea will be winning again.

Despite Chelsea’s late poor run of form, Ashley Cole has been the Blues’ best player by a mile. His overlapping runs and dribbles into the opponent’s box has been a constant feature and with an eye for goals this left-back is one to watch.

Everton’s key player this season has been Tim Cahill and he is not to be underestimated in a game of this magnitude. Despite being well below six feet, the Australian has the uncanny ability to score goals with his head and will definitely be a handful for Chelsea’s defence. Cahill’s quick sense of judgement and aerial prowess could be Chelsea’s undoing if he is left unattended.

With Mikel Arteta suspended the onus of midfield creativity falls on Steven Pienaar. The South African has to dig into his creativity depths to outclass a makeshift Chelsea midfield. Pienaar will need the assistance of his teammates if Everton are to boss the midfield. Besides Cahill, Pienaar looks more likely a source of goals for the Toffees than the Everton strikers.

My Match of the Week Prediction

Chelsea’s bad run of games will come to an end someday and it could as well be against Everton. With games against Tottenham and Manchester United to follow, Chelsea are primed to send a warning shot to their title rivals that they are not ready to relinquish their title without a fight.

Everton had what looked on paper like a sure banker at home to the Baggies last week but it turned out to be a nightmare for the Toffees. Everton will find it difficult to shut Chelsea out in this fixture and I am sure the Toffees won’t be disappointed should they take a point form this game. Stamford Bridge is one of the last places to go when you are seeking a win to kick-start your season but Sunderland has shown that it can be done.

I fancy Chelsea bagging all three points but it will be a close one with the Blues’ defensive frailties as exposed in their last three league games.

I will say 2-1 to Chelsea.