Everton travel to Stamford Bridge on Sunday – not the happiest of hunting grounds for Everton, however, we didn’t stand much chance under Ronald Koeman or Sam Allardyce.
You can see ComeOnYouBlues match preview for this game here: http://www.comeonyoublues.com/forum/threads/chelsea-vs-everton-%E2%80%93-sunday-11th-november-%E2%80%93-2-15pm-ko.645/#post-41229 – Our mate Ijjy has a talent with these.
I have caught up with Mark from Chelsea Chadder, to see his thoughts on the upcoming game.
1) How long have you been a Chelsea fan for?
My dad took me to my first match back in 1990 and we still sit next to each other at every home game.
2) How have you rated your season so far?
This season is going very well. In some ways, it’s to be expected as we tend to have a bad season followed by a good one. I think most Chelsea fans are happy that we are quietly under the radar as the media are obsessed with Man City and Liverpool.
3) How have your new signings bedded in?
The summer signing of Jorginho has crucial for Sarri’s style of play. They know what is expected of each other and this has helped the rest of the team follow his ideas. Jorginho’s performances have also gone under the radar, mainly thanks to Eden Hazard playing so well.
4) Who’s the man to watch for Chelsea?
Obviously Eden Hazard is the player to watch at the moment. However, I must give an honourable mention to Pedro who has found his spark again and looks dangerous when given the chance.
5) What player hasn’t impressed so far and you don’t want to see play this weekend?
Olivier Giroud hasn’t taken his chances when given the nod over Morata. Now that Morata has his confidence back he is looking more like the £70m signing from last summer.
6) How are you expecting this game to play out?
Chelsea are a possession-based team and so I expect them to dominate play. They have been very good at getting into the final third but often struggle to test the goalkeeper. I predict Chelsea will have over 70% possession, earn more corners but will give Everton better chances.
7) What are your opinions on Marco Silva?
Marco Silva has done a steady job. After an indifferent season last year he has had a job to do of building up confidence. I think he sets his team out with a ‘hard to beat’ mentality rather than play to win.
8) What Everton player would you like to play for Chelsea?
The Everton player that I think would suit the Chelsea side is Richarlison. He looked good against us for Watford and has started off well for the Toffees. Chelsea’s weakest area is the striker’s position and so Richarlison could fit that role.
9) What should Everton expect from Chelsea in this match?
Everton will have to endure long periods without the ball. With patience and good concentration they will get some great chances. Everton will also have to defend well in the final 20 minutes as this is when Sarri makes attacking changes to pressurise the opposition defence.
10) Has Ross Barkley changed opinion since Sarri has come in? Will he play in this game?
Ross Barkley has done really well this season. After Loftus-Cheek showing great promise at the World Cup he looked ahead of Barkley in the team. The loan signing of Mateo Kovacic also pushes him further back. However, after taking his chances he has impressed both the fans and the manager and is now earning his position on the starting line up.
11) How do Chelsea fans rate their chances of winning the league?
I don’t think many Chelsea fans are thinking about winning the league. Most would agree that Man City are favourites but believe that finishing above Liverpool is a definite and realistic target.
12) If Everton wants anything out of this game, how do they do it?
If Everton want anything out of this game they need to counter attack well and maybe even show bravery by playing two up front at some point. Chelsea’s defence has been a bit shaky and will always give the opposition a chance.
13) Final score?
I think the final score will be 2-1 to Chelsea. Pedro will open the scoring before Everton equalise. A goal in the final 10 minutes will seal all 3 points for Sarri’s men.
Mark has written a book: “Chelsea: 100 memorable matches” and will be available to buy before the match this weekend or available at: https://amzn.to/2yPIarH
