Everton will prove to be a hard nut to crack with or without Richarlison. Pickford will no doubt play a blinder and they have the ability to hurt us. Let's hope they don't succeed and we prevail. COME ON YOU BLUES !!!

I had a dream last night that Hernan Crespo started for us, and I was outraged when he was hauled off (I think for Shevchenko) after an hour. We drew 0-0.

First match of the season I will miss. So first defeat incoming, sorry.

2 minutes ago, Zeta said:

First match of the season I will miss. So first defeat incoming, sorry.

Or Moratas 1st hat trick....

2 minutes ago, Womble said:

Or Moratas 1st hat trick....

You don't realise the record I have of missing games. We basically always lose. Even to QPR.

^ I know just trying to be positive because yr not gonna be watching the game Zeta....

12 minutes ago, Zeta said:

You don't realise the record I have of missing games. We basically always lose. Even to QPR.

Oh Dear !! Let's hope this is a first we win.

2 hours ago, Juan Nil said:

3 points please to take us in to another crappy international break on a positive note.

Would be amazing for Morata to continue his recent upturn in form 

Come on Chelsea 

KTBFFH

I just drafted him into my fantasy team, so expect the worst.

If as reports suggest Hazard will only play for 45min. i would play him in the second half and then only if we need to. Save him to get fit for the scum spuds.

1 hour ago, Zeta said:

You don't realise the record I have of missing games. We basically always lose. Even to QPR.

tnx for sharing. just made my day

Preliminary thoughts:

1) WAGNH has usefully provided an overview of this game which I broadly concur with. I won't repeat what that article says. 

2) Even though he hasn't been playing particularly well, Walcott's sheer pace up against Alonso is an unnerving thought. Hopefully we can keep the ball so Walcott can't burn past Alonso and that Alonso himself doesn't give it away. Azpi is a better pure defender than Alonso, but he needs to be vigilant against Bernard's sharpness and trickery.

3) Kovacic will probably start given Barkley's exertions against BATE. I am a little torn about this - Marco Silva knows how to set up a defence so Barkley's extra goal threat could be useful, but Kovacic is more consistent and is better at retaining the ball. Given that Bernard is sharp and Walcott is effectively a sprinter playing football, retaining possession will reduce Everton's chances to counter, so upon reflection I'm comfortable playing Kovacic. 

4) If Richarlison is unfit, that would be a big boost to our chances. He is the one player who IMO has a good chance of making our first XI. 

5) RE Sigurdsson, he would compete for a place in our midfield. However, his most dangerous qualities include his passing, his free kicks and his long range striker. He needs to be closed down so he can't feed their front three with through balls. Our high line should also be able to keep him away from the goal.

6) Apparently Zouma has been Everton's best defender this season, inspiring Keane to some better form after a poor 2017/18. Even his passing (!) has apparently impressed. Hopefully his absence is telling, for while Mina is highly rated he hasn't fully integrated into his side. 

7) Idrissa Gueye, or Kante-lite, is one to watch out for. He intercepts and tackles like almost nobody's business and he could get the ball off our midfield/attackers to trigger counter-attacks. Probably another reason by Kovacic should be starting - he doesn't give the ball away much.

8) Chelsea must be careful not to give away too many corners or free kicks. We should look to play as close to their box as possible so fouls turn into free kick opportunities and clearances turn into corners. Again, our high line should help in this regard. 

Anyway, I am a bit nervous about this game. We should win, but Everton may very well win a point, given our midweek exertions against BATE. 

 

 

 

Good line up hard working midfield

Kovacic over Barkley and Willian over Pedro. Otherwise the normal lineup. 

Could be a really tough game, so with Spurs upcoming,  I'd be happy with anykind of win, even a boring 1-0 by a pen. Also hope City beat UTD, because  a win for us would put ua a very healthy 10 points clear of UTD.

Check out@ChelseaFC’s Tweet:

Ahh crap...

I assume Sarri's starting Willian because Pedro played most of the BATE game. A game wherein Everton may be hard to break down would suit Pedro better at face value besides. 

Kovacic I'm comfortable with.

Richarlison is fit. Our task will be that much harder. I think we will be tired from thursday but Everton will be bursting with energy. They have a bit of an advantage. We will have to play really well to win this one.

Disappointed that RLC did not make the bench.

4 minutes ago, Amputechture said:

Disappointed that RLC did not make the bench.

Thing is, who do you drop to accommodate him?

Barkley is ahead of him for the attacking midfield roles, Fabregas offers better passing and with Pedro back fit we have cover for the wings. 

3 minutes ago, ForeverCarefree said:

Thing is, who do you drop to accommodate him?

Barkley is ahead of him for the attacking midfield roles, Fabregas offers better passing and with Pedro back fit we have cover for the wings. 

I'd have him ahead of Fabregas who apparently wasn't fit enough on Thursday. Maybe I'm biased because I've always been an advocate of his, though I can't help but feel it's a tad harsh on the lad.

Willian over pedro....deary me.

Everton are perfectly set up to counter us with pace and precise passing, and clinical finishing. 

Zeta missing the game is a worry to. Lol

Seriously though against the good or in form teams we draw at home (liverpool and united) or narrowly get a win (arsenal). I would not be surprised if Everton snatch a point or take all 3 because we will play open and not treat them as much of a threat as the big 4 sides.

different Everton team, different manager, different Chelsea team, different manager............expect the same result a CFC win.

....a narrow 3-2 victory for the home team I think. 

Need Pedro over Willy for sure. 

Didnt realise Barkley had tattoos and that he got them removed.