Season › 2020-21 › News
Chelsea vs Everton
Match Preview
James Rodriguez has missed the last two games with his continuing calf problems and it remains to be seen whether he will be fit enough to play a part at Stamford Bridge
In what has suddenly become a potential “six-pointer” in the chase for a Champions League spot, Everton travel to much-improved Chelsea on Monday evening hoping to extend their magnificent away record with a positive result at Stamford Bridge.
While for supporters the worst result of the Carlo Ancelotti era so far was the Cup derby defeat to Liverpool's reserve side, for the Italian, by his own recent admission, it was last year's trip to his former club, exactly a year previously and the last match before the Premier League locked down following the novel coronavirus outbreak, that was his most painful.
The Toffees were comprehensively dismantled that day by Frank Lampard's side in a heavy 4-0 defeat at a time when the two clubs were separated by eight places and 11 points. On Monday, it's a case of fourth versus fifth and just one point between them in the table but it will be Thomas Tuchel and not Lampard in the home dugout.
The German is unbeaten as Chelsea boss since succeeding Lampard in January and his team's accomplished victory at Anfield that saw the Londoners supplant Everton in fourth spot underlined how well he has done in organising a team that was struggling for consistency prior to his arrival.
As such, this game promises to be as difficult as any Ancelotti's men have faced this season and the challenge of ending another multi-decade hoodoo — Everton haven't won on this ground since 1994 — will be much greater than it might have been just a few short weeks ago.
However, the Toffees have made a habit of raising their game for the big occasions this term and boast one of the better records against their rivals for the top six. Playing their peers rather than teams in the bottom half has coaxed better performances from the players and the hope is that that will be the case again in West London.
Ancelotti acknowledged after the win at West Bromwich Albion on Thursday that his team's performances could improve and that it's something they're working but he couldn't fault his players's spirit.
“I'm really happy to be the manager of this team and these players because I think they follow me and respect my ideas,” he said.
“Of course, we would like to play better and I am not the only one — the players want to play better. I think for this, we need to improve the technical quality of the squad but what we can't improve is the spirit of the team which is really, really high.”
Most of his available first-teamers have been involved in two games in seven days and while Ancelotti's selection for this one is likely to feature more changes, he will be hoping that some of his recent absentees will be available. Allan and Gylfi Sigurdsson would be good candidates to come in with André Gomes taking a rest but it remains to be seen whether Tom Davies is fit again to retake his place in front of defence.
If he is, it's possible that Abdoulaye Doucouré could also get a rare breather and then it's just a case of whether James Rodriguez is fit to take a place in the team after missing the last two matches with his troublesome calf issue.
Chelsea have had few injury problems of their own and both their recent absentees, Tammy Abraham (ankle) and Thiago Silva (thigh) could both be in contention on Monday, leaving Tuchel with his pick of which line-up to go with.
For Everton, avoiding defeat and preventing Chelsea from putting any more daylight between them in the table will be the first priority but they will also know that if they can keep what has been a relatively goal-shy side quiet and pinch one or two of their own, they could spring a surprise that really would vault them further into the reckoning for the top four.
Kick-off: 6pm, Monday 8 March 2021 on BT Sport 1
Referee: Chris Kavanagh
VAR: Michael Oliver
Last Time: Chelsea 4 - 0 Everton
Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Holgate, Keane, Godfrey, Digne, Allan, Doucouré, Sigurdsson, Rodriguez, Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin
Reader Comments (144)
Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer
2 Posted 06/03/2021 at 21:19:42
If Davies is fit I'd like to see us line up 4-3-3, with Allan, Doucouré, Davies, and James Richie & DCL up front. The back 5 picks itself.
3 Posted 06/03/2021 at 21:39:31
Great to be in the mix and let's believe, this is a massive match for Everton FC, and will require blood, sweat and tears from the squad, to get the result we all want, on Monday evening.
4 Posted 06/03/2021 at 21:44:26
Holgate Godfrey Keane Digne
Allan Doucoure
Iwobi Sigurdsson Richarlison
DCL
5 Posted 06/03/2021 at 21:45:46
6 Posted 06/03/2021 at 21:49:45
7 Posted 06/03/2021 at 21:52:28
8 Posted 06/03/2021 at 21:59:05
We might see an obvious difference in quality here but the qualities we have been showing like defending well can get us the points here.
We shouldn't fear anyone but City now to be honest, the rest are all beatable.
9 Posted 06/03/2021 at 22:12:05
If we play like we did against WBA, although we won, that won't be enough, we have to up the ante. Of course a lot depends on who is available for this one I just hope we have an almost full strength squad to pick from.
I just hope and pray that we can assemble a decent midfield as we seem to be okay now back and front. Don't like to be over confident, but our record against London Clubs has worked out well up to now, so let's not buck that trend!
10 Posted 06/03/2021 at 22:12:05
If we play like we did against WBA, although we won, that won't be enough, we have to up the ante. Of course a lot depends on who is available for this one I just hope we have an almost full strength squad to pick from.
I just hope and pray that we can assemble a decent midfield as we seem to be okay now back and front. Don't like to be over confident, but our record against London Clubs has worked out well up to now, so let's not buck that trend!
11 Posted 06/03/2021 at 22:14:16
12 Posted 06/03/2021 at 22:42:40
They are playing well just now, on a bit of a roll, especially Mount.
They'll have a lot of the ball and be very mobile so we have to play our usual deep line, unless Giroud starts!
352 for me
Pickford
Holgate Keane Godfrey
Coleman Allan Doucoure Tom/Sigi Digne
DCL Richie
13 Posted 06/03/2021 at 22:58:18
The 11/2 for an Everton win looks generous, probs bigger odds elsewhere, but I certainly would not back against Everton pulling another result out of the bag.
Most will be happy with a point, I believe we could take all three points, as long as we do not sit back and invite Chelsea, the freedom of the midfield.
14 Posted 06/03/2021 at 23:16:01
I feel Ancelotti tends towards a more Holistic defence policy - like the 4 Amigos across the back when needed and everybody defends as required.
With Digne back this 4.0 back line has changes to a 3.5.
I can see Coleman back for Iwobi though, if fit.
But its a brave man who tries to out guess The Mk II Tinkerman...hopefully Tuchel can't either.
If we have the minimum of successful tinkering and the 'Real Slim Shadies' Do turn up, we're in with more than a good chance.
No more Everton That but more of the... Everton This !
15 Posted 06/03/2021 at 23:33:22
16 Posted 06/03/2021 at 23:33:47
17 Posted 06/03/2021 at 23:44:47
18 Posted 06/03/2021 at 23:44:55
Two mean defences on current form, they are not prolific goalscorers so expect to see a tight game here, perhaps 1-0 either way.
19 Posted 06/03/2021 at 23:45:35
20 Posted 07/03/2021 at 00:52:33
Another hard-earned win or draw will be great.
21 Posted 07/03/2021 at 01:24:11
Although we have had some good results lately, some of the performances have been dire. We cannot play like that against a confident winning Chelsea and expect any sort of positive result.
I do think we have ridden our luck recently and those last two games could easily have finished 1-1 at the death. If we sit deep and allow Chelsea to play on the edge of our box, then we risk conceding shots and deflections from the packed defence.
I am not being negative here, just stating it as I see it. I would snatch a hand off for a draw right now. There have been some strange results in the Premier League this full Covid season with no crowds so I hope we can have one in our favour on Monday.
22 Posted 07/03/2021 at 01:39:02
I do think that Dominic is really gonna have to take his chances in this one though if we are to get anything from the game, and we will need Pickford in top solid form too. Mike called it right on both Doucoure and Digne, they are both starting to struggle.
It is essential that we genuinely start to believe – otherwise, there will be nothing down for us here, I see this as a key game going forward in that regard.
23 Posted 07/03/2021 at 01:59:05
Just a thought lads, be confident in yourselves!
24 Posted 07/03/2021 at 02:21:55
I get that Chelsea are in fine form but don't see them as more unbeatable than Liverpool. I think their team has its weaknesses and there will be good opportunities if we can break frequently and rack up a decent number of dead-ball plays.
I don't think Doucouré looks spent (and definitely wouldn't start Tom Davies instead of him) and Digne looked better against West Brom than he has done for ages for me (I still think he is incrementally regaining full fitness having been rushed back after his injury).
The exact personnel we use will be important and so I hope everyone we can generally rely on is available for this one. Important to keep the momentum going. A victory isn't essential for that but I think we have to make a good contest of it.
25 Posted 07/03/2021 at 02:37:50
I believe Seamus presence would be great and that we do need some fresh legs in order to get something. As I read on some last comments, last matches we got lucky and on this one well need something more than that.
If we get renewed energy, I'm optimistic all day long. If not, a point would do it. Just realistic thinking.
26 Posted 07/03/2021 at 03:02:49
Aside from Dundee, ancestry.com pinpoints Chelsea as one of my ancestral homes. However, unlike my Scottish cousins, I don't recall receiving a lot of Christmas cards from West London. So fuck ‘em, you can choose your family but you can't choose your club.
As you say we cannot have a mentality that we can afford to lose. We need to be these jokers, Kerry Dixon, Mark Stein, David Mellor, his mistress et al.
27 Posted 07/03/2021 at 04:14:08
I would be thrilled with a draw.
28 Posted 07/03/2021 at 05:06:55
I have seen the promised land (not just an FA Cup and Top 4 finish) but mostly in the early sixties, early seventies and mid eighties and Everton will be judged as we used to be, not just on results but the standard and style of football.
Anyway, back to bed now.
29 Posted 07/03/2021 at 08:14:35
30 Posted 07/03/2021 at 08:17:04
31 Posted 07/03/2021 at 08:19:40
Stamford Bridge, always looks to be one of the most narrow pitches in the league, although it looked like an Aussie Rules pitch the last time we played there, and probably made Ancelotti decide that Everton needed to become a lot harder to beat.
So play deep, leave no space in midfield, and play a front three of Calvert-Lewin, King and Richarlison. Pace, strength and physicality, and three players who are all capable of scoring a goal, with the latter two also not shy in working back for the team.
32 Posted 07/03/2021 at 08:19:55
Pickford
Holgate, Keane, Godfrey,
Coleman, Doucouré, Allan, Digne
Rodriguez
Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison
Sigurdsson on for James after 60 minutes.
I am feeling nerves instead of dread. That is a good sign for me.
33 Posted 07/03/2021 at 08:23:02
That said, if we can gain a degree of control in the midfield, then we can frustrate them as they are not prolific in scoring goals at the moment.
I see a hard-fought draw which would not be a bad result; however, we could nick a 1-0 win.
Really looking forward to seeing how Carlo sets us up and his tactics for this one.
34 Posted 07/03/2021 at 08:39:44
Pickford
Coleman, Holgate, Keane, Godfrey, Digne
Doucouré Allan
Sigurdsson
Calvert-Lewin Richarlison
Tom Davies comes in if Doucouré is injured, that's if Tom himself is fit!
35 Posted 07/03/2021 at 08:50:03
Can change the game in a moment from outside the box. Others are very good in that team, and the manager is very good.
I'd like one midfielder player to go to Mount (or next dangerous player if Mount is not playing) when he gets in a position to recieve the ball, and another player to sit in front of defence.
They play a high line, so we'll have some exciting moments.
36 Posted 07/03/2021 at 08:50:06
Stop Werner and Havertz playing and stop supply to Giroud, if he plays. Counter attack with Richarlison's pace and we may get a favourable result.
37 Posted 07/03/2021 at 08:57:23
All I ask is do ourselves justice and if it's not quite enough well I'm sure we will bounce back.
Plus, if we get a one-on-one with Calvert-Lewin, no more hitting it straight at the goalie. Now that is League One finishing. Dink or aim for a corner because, as good as they are, we will create something. Be ruthless, Blues, and defend for our lives. Coyb!
39 Posted 07/03/2021 at 09:03:30
When I looked at the predicted line-up, Pickford's one mistake a game raised its ugly head.
Calvert-Lewin has to be more of a threat to keep Chelsea from compacting midfield. Richarlison will be given special attention.
So glad Allan is fit, though bombing forward may not be a good idea. Holgate was more up to speed in the last game. Sigurdsson and Gomes will have to pace up are they will find themselves pressurised.
40 Posted 07/03/2021 at 09:14:06
41 Posted 07/03/2021 at 09:26:14
42 Posted 07/03/2021 at 09:29:14
Come on, Carlo... Come on, you Blues. Come on, Fulham!
43 Posted 07/03/2021 at 09:47:51
Could go either way, but it's gonna be exciting.
44 Posted 07/03/2021 at 09:48:35
45 Posted 07/03/2021 at 09:52:33
So I'm on the same page as say Alan Johnson #41; what luck have we been riding? What luck did we have at Anfield, or did we just play well? A lot of teams just kick the shit out of James and Richarlison and hope that they can get some luck in our penalty box.
Personally, I haven't seen much luck – just hard fucking work and lots of organisation. But when Everton's aggression level drops we've got beat, not much luck involved with that.
For me, Everton can go to Chelsea and get something, but more importantly so does Carlo..
46 Posted 07/03/2021 at 09:55:40
Pickford
Holgate
Godfrey
Keane
Coleman
Allan
Davies
Digne
James
Richarlison
Calvert-Lewin
47 Posted 07/03/2021 at 10:03:19
48 Posted 07/03/2021 at 10:16:40
Really looking forward to this one, City are seemingly an unstoppable juggernaut and are too hot for anyone to handle so this one is a true test of our mettle for me.
We've broken a few hoodoos this season and think we have won all our games in London so far? (Lack of coffee fogging the brain...)
I'm not going to try and second-guess Carlo's selection as there will likely be a curve ball of some sort in there.
I was 14 last time we won at Stamford Bridge, please let me have some decent banter pwith my Chelsea mates after the game Blues! Was at the cup game when Sean Wright-Phillips somehow beat Lescott in the air to score and have had recurring nightmares about it ever since...
49 Posted 07/03/2021 at 10:17:28
50 Posted 07/03/2021 at 10:27:08
51 Posted 07/03/2021 at 10:28:24
Going 3-1 down at Old Trafford and not giving up, losing our main striker in the cup game against Spurs, just as Harry Kane is about to come on, no other strikers on the bench, a team down to the barebones and taken into another 30 minutes, yet we never gave up.
Werner not being able to buy a goal, so what? Firminho, who has yet to score against us is going through the same bad spell, but we kept him out in the derby.
There is no question, this is a very tough match, but I would put a little faith in the manager, and the players and start to believe we can go there and get a result.
You can give up and pray for a point, me, well I am in the minority who believes we can give as good as we take. The Man Utd and Liverpool away games, and the Spurs cup game, have convinced me of that.
52 Posted 07/03/2021 at 10:30:29
Most other fans know football, mate. I speak to lots of supporters of other clubs in my job and it's completely different to speaking to a red Alien.
As far as luck goes, I made the point we have made our own luck and we must keep riding it. (I know you weren't calling my post by the way)
I am not saying the games won have been purely down to luck but how many have we won by 1 goal? We can't do that without a certain amount of luck.
We drew with Leicester after they passed us dizzy for most of the game. It's not a criticism – it's more of an urge to grasp and digest what is in our favour.
Just had a text via a facebook post saying Doucoure has broken his foot in training. I hope that isn't true.
Hopefully it's a Carlo team selection decoy.
53 Posted 07/03/2021 at 10:38:13
54 Posted 07/03/2021 at 10:48:31
It seems none of us can second-guess Carlo. Looking back over the last half a dozen games, hardly anyone has guessed right. Even the normally spot-on Lyndon has been unable to match his predicted line-up with the actual.
Now, is this accidental? Or is the great man over cautious, a victim of circumstances or a clever tactician?
Which brings me to team selection for the coming Chelsea game. From reading the comments it looks like most of us would prefer to see the same back five of Pickford, Holgate, Keane, Godfrey and Digne. Add to that the favoured pairing of Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin up front and it seems the only argument for us amateurs is the midfield.
At the risk of offending the alliteration police, the midfield is a minefield. Play Alan? Carlo likes to play him at the bottom of a diamond and past events has shown that Sigurdsson is likely to be at the top. This offends many TW contributors but it is Carlo's way...
That leaves two places, left and right of the diamond. Pick from Doucoure, Davies, Iwobi, Gomes, Rodriguez
Now if course Carlo could do an ‘Anfield' and play three at the back with Coleman and Digne as wing backs, giving us a back five when defending, but a seven strong force when attacking. Keeping Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin in their usual positions this means we only have three to pick from for the middle. Alan is a shoo-in, in my eyes so we would have to pick two from Sigurdsson, Gomes, Davies, Doucouré or Iwobi.
Not for nothing do we get it wrong in most occasions. For what it's worth, I favour an Anfield line-up with Alan, Davies and Doucouré as the middle three. Plenty of opportunity for Sigurdsson and Rodriguez to come on and change the game if needed.
But, what do I know? As much as everyone else, apparently...
55 Posted 07/03/2021 at 11:15:17
I can't think of another manager we have had who has changed tactics and personnel as much as Carlo, remember how often on these pages have we criticized former managers for not having a plan B. Reading Michael Keane's article tells you the high esteem with which all the players have for Carlo, and with constantly rotating I am sure the whole squad feel part of the team.
Sometimes if managers constantly change formations and personnel it sometimes brings inconsistent results but that doesn't seem to happen under Carlo, they all seem well drilled irrespective of formation.
Chelsea will view this as a tough game and like us are aware of how much a win will enhance their chances of a top 4 finish. I don't necessarily think this result will determine where each of us will finish but it could have a big impact on confidence should either win this game.
We have achieved some really impressive results away this season beating Spurs, Leicester and Liverpool amongst them and also producing an excellent comeback against Man Utd. So, unlike previous Everton teams of the last 35 years, we don't have our usual massive inferiority complex when visiting the teams in and around the top 4.
Carlo said that despite victories over WBA and Southampton he and the players wanted better performances, so I think he is well aware that he will be looking to play a more attractive game, and the longer he is here I think that will become apparent.
I think we should all remember most of Carlos previous teams not only won trophies but also played a good attractive brand of football. But maybe just for now we will have to accept a slightly more negative approach than he or we would like to see but you can see he is putting in the building blocks for that to happen.
56 Posted 07/03/2021 at 11:21:11
For this game, I'd be happy with a defensive, counter-attacking display.
So we can fully expect a free-flowing attacking performance.
57 Posted 07/03/2021 at 11:23:11
Let's not confuse ball retention and luck as the same thing. Under Martinez, I've seen teams come to Goodison and soak up almost 75% possession then score the winner. That wasn't luck, that's having two solid lines of 4 and playing controlled football.
We beat Leicester in their back yard and, for me, they can be opened up. We are very, very good at opening teams up.
I can guarantee you that Chelsea will have more of the ball whereas we have a style of play that needs Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison to be "on it" – if they are not then we usually lose possession and are back to defending.
For me, our back 4 are now seriously solid and since Godfrey has been bought in, we are far more aggressive, so we are happy to let teams have a pop. For me, we actually seem to love it and you know what, against West Brom and in the 93rd minute their striker was like a leaping gazelle and ready to pounce... but no, our back 4 were so organized that they had him offside in an instant, immediately confirmed by the lino before the ball hit the net. Which we all know VAR confirmed. Now was that luck or are our back 4 just so "on it"?
59 Posted 07/03/2021 at 12:01:53
I'm not even going to try and second guess the manager's line-up. He'll keep us and Chelsea on their toes. Pretty impressive he's been able to manage that with a relatively small squad.
So, I'll randomly break track. Amber or green kit? I'm predicting the green one by virtue of Chelsea's blue shorts!!
60 Posted 07/03/2021 at 12:09:45
Solid back 4 again (no Coleman)
Davies, Allan and Doucouré
Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin.
James has the ability to carve out an opening out of nothing.
Sigurdsson presses well from the front in these types of games and is good at playing a counter-attack with runners around him.
61 Posted 07/03/2021 at 12:15:28
We are quite disjointed by comparison. But this team has resiliency in spades. Looked down and out at Man Utd, but then we exploit any complacency. We are now at the level though where Chelsea won't be too disappointed with a point tomorrow, which is amazing when you think about it.
62 Posted 07/03/2021 at 12:34:32
Call Carlo defensive or cautious but he sets up knowing the first goal is usually massive in Premier League games.
63 Posted 07/03/2021 at 12:57:33
64 Posted 07/03/2021 at 13:03:09
Leicester got lucky yesterday but they were crap.
Everton can beat Chelski who, for all their big signings are an average bunch.
We just need to stay focused and start with intensity and commitment without giving the ball away too much. James should start but I think Gylfi will get the nod.
[BRZ]
65 Posted 07/03/2021 at 13:29:43
'Josh King in his few very short cameos, has looked to be fast and direct, and he's also a player who doesn't lack physicality, so he might just be a good option tomorrow.'
You think so?
I appreciate he has largely been seen only in very short cameos in the closing of games but, to my eye, he has shown very little.
His pace hasn't seen him run clear of players. His physicality absent as he is easily knocked off the ball or turns it over in lightweight tackles. Other than winning the free-kick at Old Trafford (which was more to do with the clumsiness of United's own substitute rather than anything King did) from which Digne launched the ball into the penalty area and Dom levelled the game for us at the death, I can't recall a single thing he has contributed to the team since joining.
He won't be selected ahead of Dom, Richarlison, James or Sigurdsson, that's for sure.
I think we can only better judge him if and when he starts and plays a full game. But to date, there is nothing at all which merits promoting him to a starting berth away to Chelsea tomorrow.
66 Posted 07/03/2021 at 13:42:58
I'm pretty certain we will play 4-5-1 tomorrow, and my thinking was maybe having more pace and physical presence out wide, against a team that we are going to have to up our performance, and not be so careless against in possession.
67 Posted 07/03/2021 at 13:58:47
Some of the players he has manged is impressive but the one he would (hypothetically) bring to Everton; Paolo Maldini. His friend, fellow player and someone he managed.
Got quite passionate about how to cook pasta too!!
68 Posted 07/03/2021 at 14:16:26
COYB.
69 Posted 07/03/2021 at 14:17:52
70 Posted 07/03/2021 at 14:21:03
71 Posted 07/03/2021 at 14:26:37
No family secrets revealed!!
72 Posted 07/03/2021 at 14:50:53
73 Posted 07/03/2021 at 15:32:41
74 Posted 07/03/2021 at 15:55:38
75 Posted 07/03/2021 at 15:55:58
76 Posted 07/03/2021 at 16:13:00
77 Posted 07/03/2021 at 17:01:11
Oh, looking forward to the game now.
78 Posted 07/03/2021 at 17:30:47
Then most other combinations but not Sigurdsson and Gomes together and certainly not Iwobi - the kid looks like he has never played the game before and we look like 10 men when he does start.
Same attitude as vs Liverpool for me.
79 Posted 07/03/2021 at 18:19:56
80 Posted 07/03/2021 at 18:30:33
81 Posted 07/03/2021 at 19:18:05
I agree we need pace in the side but we also need quality. Like Jay, I am not convinced by King and never have been. I'm hoping Tom Davies is fit to return alongside Doucouré and Allan. That will then keep us tight and able to feed the front 3 who should be Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and hopefully James.
I also hope Coleman is fit because Holgate has not looked convincing lately.
82 Posted 07/03/2021 at 19:23:44
I'm sure the league and Europe will be uppermost in their minds and today they have been given a dent in their armour. We can enlarge that.
83 Posted 07/03/2021 at 19:30:59
I don't think Bernard has let us down when he's started this season, maybe the tight spaces at Stamford Bridge, might suit him? But I suppose it's futile talking about what team is going to play, because Ancelotti has definitely got his own mind, and it's not easy second-guessing him.
You told us Davies, was injured last week, Jay, have you heard any rumours about Doucouré being injured now?
84 Posted 07/03/2021 at 19:47:33
It looked to me that Holgate tweaked his hamstring towards the end of the WBA game and, as we'd already made three subs, had to stay on. If he has done his hamstring then he won't be fit for tomorrow.
Carlo has a habit of leading the opposition up the garden path with saying that players are fit when they're not so – and this is my worry – if Coleman and Davies are unfit, then who plays right back?
Looking at what we have available, it would either be Iwobi (massive shudder even thinking it) or moving Godfrey to right-back, Digne to centre-back and Nkounkou to left-back. Can't really think of other options.
Whatever it is, if we have these injuries then we're in bother.
In the non-lockdown days I might have been tempted to take my boots but being 59, I might struggle to keep pace for 90 minutes, maybe only 85! However 3-0 up after 85 and we wouldn't have to worry about the last 5!
85 Posted 07/03/2021 at 20:54:50
You're right, Carlo likes to keep us all guessing, including the opposition I guess.
I haven't spoken to my mate since last week as I'm in Florida now and only speak to him now and again but I'll try to find out about Doucouré and whether Tom Davies has recovered sufficiently before the game.
86 Posted 07/03/2021 at 22:26:15
I think Chelsea have become a more direct team. A little like Spurs or Man Utd, good attacking players but defensively can be got at.
I don't know who's fit to play but, even in a few short cameos, King has demonstrated his ability to run and dribble with the ball better than anyone else in the team.
Maybe James is back to play 10, King right and Richarlison left presuming Dom is okay to play central. Let's put them under pressure.
Kante, what a player. I'd try and test Chelsea with a bid for him in the summer alongside their ex-player Hazard!
87 Posted 07/03/2021 at 23:32:23
We have more of a struggle against teams which sit in, allowing no space to run into, than we do when facing teams which dominate possession. Tomorrow we have another match in which we can expect the opponents to dominate. That should suit us.
88 Posted 08/03/2021 at 00:28:37
Now go score a hat-trick please Alex. I would be delighted to be the butt of the joke tomorrow. I won't hold my breath though.
89 Posted 08/03/2021 at 00:30:22
A year ago today we saw an absolute shit show there last season. But since then we have become better. Hopefully lessons are learnt from that game and we make it frustrating for Chelsea.
Looks as though Doucouré is out for a while according to rumours. Big miss as he is the one with legs in the midfield. Allan and Davies need to be on their game especially against Mount. Thought of Gomes worries the life out of me. Expect this to be another long 90 minutes.
But if we were to get a result then it's another statement made. Heads need to be switched on and chances needed to be taken when he have that chance. Especially against a side like these. Am I confident? No I'm not but hopefully Everton can surprise me in the most positive way as possible.
91 Posted 08/03/2021 at 03:03:16
92 Posted 08/03/2021 at 07:27:18
93 Posted 08/03/2021 at 09:02:59
Would love us to put another unwanted record to bed though.
COYB
94 Posted 08/03/2021 at 09:05:11
95 Posted 08/03/2021 at 09:34:07
However, there was nothing to say Doucoure was injured and out for the season so, unless the club don't know something some on here have heard, then he is available for tonight. Unless of course, the club are keeping quiet about it, but why do that, I don't know?
96 Posted 08/03/2021 at 09:54:16
I always feel safer with Coleman at right-back rather than Holgate as he also adds a threat going forward but does the dark arts so well too. The rest of the back line picks itself.
In midfield, I would always be happy with any two of Allan, Doucouré and Tom Davies, with a playmaker in front of them. This is the role I like to see James in.
That leaves the sticky situation of who is best on the right of a front 3? For me, as infuriating as his inconsistency can be, this means we play Iwobi.
The alternative of James on the right and Sigurdsson or Gomes in the 'No 10' role is okay when we play sides that don't attack at pace or have the class to unlock us. We cannot afford to play more than 2 of James, Sigurdsson and Gomes as we will get overrun. And we should never play both of Sigurdsson and Gomes together.
This side-picking stuff is easy, isn't it?
97 Posted 08/03/2021 at 09:57:18
98 Posted 08/03/2021 at 10:14:24
I wonder if Southampton fans thought “Shit, we're playing Chelsea, we can expect nothing hereâ€. Chelsea haven't exactly been steamrolling teams since Tuchel took over, I think their biggest win was 2-0 against Newcastle.
I said in the lead up to the derby two unwanted Premier League records would be smashed within the space of a week. Fulham had finally won at Goodison and we would end our miserable run at Anfield.
I will stick my neck out and say two more unwanted premier league records will be smashed in the space of 24 hours. Fulham ending their miserable run at Anfield and us finally winning at Stamford Bridge.
Though right now, if offered, I'd take the draw!
99 Posted 08/03/2021 at 10:34:30
Let's hope the rumour circulating that Doucoure has broken his foot in training is just another false story on Twitter. Although he has been average in his last 2 games if the story is true and he is out for the season then that will certainly limit our options in midfield.
With both Leicester and Man Utd winning if we hope to get into the top 4 I don't think we can afford a defeat tonight, as West Ham would expect to beat Leeds tonight and Spurs are coming into decent form and will be in the mix for a European slot if they keep up their form.
Usually visiting Chelsea has been like our record visiting Anfield, but I am more hopeful of a result tonight than I have been in a long time.
100 Posted 08/03/2021 at 10:59:05
This season reminds me of when Moyes got us to fourth place. A solid defence, an ability to score in most games and then strong enough to defend a lead.
We need a right back to balance the side from an attacking perspective, a central midfielder who can dictate play and a right winger who can defend too. If we get two of these players in the summer then we will be a different proposition.
I am not a doom and gloom merchant; I am very positive about where we are. Carlo is papering over the weaker areas really well and I see no reason why we can't get a Europa League placing. Top 4 will in my opinion be a step too far at this point but I do hope I am wrong. A draw or win tonight will make me reconsider!!
101 Posted 08/03/2021 at 11:00:54
102 Posted 08/03/2021 at 11:05:40
We can win this, so I'm going for a draw!
103 Posted 08/03/2021 at 11:16:53
Are they really that much better than us?
I don't usually bet on my own team, loyalty and emotion interferes with judgement, but tonight I'm mucho tempted.
104 Posted 08/03/2021 at 11:28:58
Our midfield hasn't been able to impose itself on any team for months, including games against Fulham, Newcastle, even Southampton recently, but we have a solid defence and are dangerous when we actual manage to get forward.
105 Posted 08/03/2021 at 11:35:30
We will need to be on it tonight to get anything from the game. I'm hoping for Calvert-Lewin to bag a couple.
106 Posted 08/03/2021 at 11:36:35
I don't believe we will finish top 4, and any repeat of poor results against lesser sides would likely see us miss out on a Europa League spot. But the margins will be slight.
107 Posted 08/03/2021 at 11:43:05
With Allan and Doucouré covering the defence I'm certain he will go for players who are comfortable on the ball, who can actually pass to teammates and who look forward, not only sideways and backwards!
James will continue to be the Ace in the pack but more as an impact sub. Davies and Sigurdsson will be benched and used strategically. Delph, Gomes, Bernard and Iwobi will be shipped out to pay for better players.
108 Posted 08/03/2021 at 11:50:51
Whilst we might want them to go, there has to be someone keen to buy. No obvious candidates to take over the very large wages of these underperforming players.
109 Posted 08/03/2021 at 11:59:43
12/1 for another 1-0 win to us might be worth a punt. I never bet on us to win though, it just rubs salt into the wound of a defeat. I'm going for Godfrey to score a header at 50/1. He's due (and deserves) a goal for us and is always there for a near-post flick-on at corners.
110 Posted 08/03/2021 at 12:05:57
111 Posted 08/03/2021 at 12:10:10
Home/away doesn't really come into it when you look at the Premier League results of late – every game is pure lottery, so predicting scores/laying bets seems like a waste of money if you ask me.
Games at the moment between any teams could just as easily be drab 0-0s as they could a thrilling 4-4.
112 Posted 08/03/2021 at 12:16:37
This season has not changed the amount of draws, but levelled home and away wins (in fact, away wins were marginally above home wins). I never bet on Everton purely out of superstition, but at 6-1, it's a tempter.
113 Posted 08/03/2021 at 12:30:56
114 Posted 08/03/2021 at 12:35:12
Everton's goal difference is the worst of the top ten teams at the moment but goals win games and 1-0 will do again today.
The record away from home and against the London clubs has been excellent so why not make it better today?
115 Posted 08/03/2021 at 12:46:25
116 Posted 08/03/2021 at 12:56:56
I like your application of logic to this Doucouré rumour. The sad fact is, institutions like Everton FC are for some reason very reluctant to acknowledge and relay bad news. It's almost like a reaction that it can't be true. And if we don't confirm it, then it won't be true... and our happy progression won't be unnecessarily disturbed.
Of course, it may not be true... I sincerely hope it's not true. Surely the mammoth number of journos would ferret out the truth? Or is that expecting too much of our wonderful media? (I'm excluding the Echo from this as a bunch of lazy internet trolls who see journalism as scouring NewsNow for stories to pass on.)
And if it sadly is true, there is the argument to be made that, with a vital Premier League game coming up tonight, you sit on it until the last possible minute to avoid giving Chelsea some 'advantage' in their match preparation.
I guess we'll know which one it is just after 5 pm...
117 Posted 08/03/2021 at 13:03:15
Not saying Carlo was in the war (too young) but the same principles hold true, until an hour before kick-off you don't have to reveal the team and the substitutes, so play the game and fool Herr Tuchel.
This time at at 20-00 tonight Rodney, we could be. ?
118 Posted 08/03/2021 at 13:42:18
119 Posted 08/03/2021 at 14:35:06
120 Posted 08/03/2021 at 14:51:34
121 Posted 08/03/2021 at 14:54:09
You mean like detective Colleen Rooney
122 Posted 08/03/2021 at 14:55:08
Ironic someone leaked a rumor about leaker
123 Posted 08/03/2021 at 14:56:36
124 Posted 08/03/2021 at 14:59:45
125 Posted 08/03/2021 at 14:59:48
Does anybody know the original Twitter source for the Doucoure broken foot story?
126 Posted 08/03/2021 at 15:00:48
There are loads of moles at FF. The unfortunate thing is some people who work there get a bit sensational like on here when some people make wild claims.
I have a friend who is genuine and works on the staff and gives me a bit of feedback but he is usually cautious with that. He told me about Tome Davies a couple of weeks ago and Tom is due a late fitness test today but I spoke to him over the weekend and he said he knew nothing about Doucoure's supposed injury. so I'm hoping that is just a twitter windup.
127 Posted 08/03/2021 at 15:03:53
So this will be a tough game.
128 Posted 08/03/2021 at 15:08:51
It seems he isn't injured, he's just a fu**ing idiot.
129 Posted 08/03/2021 at 15:31:21
130 Posted 08/03/2021 at 15:35:02
He got a £600 fine, more importantly I hope he has learned his lesson.
131 Posted 08/03/2021 at 15:55:07
132 Posted 08/03/2021 at 15:59:02
133 Posted 08/03/2021 at 16:00:10
Whoever is fit and gets picked for tonight, we will have to be totally on top of our game to get a result.
I'm still surfin' on waves of optimism so I hope we get an all important win. DCL to do a bit of catching up for the Golden Boot please and make Nosferatu in the Chelsea dugout look even more bloodless.
COYB
134 Posted 08/03/2021 at 16:04:55
Here's the link
Hope it doesn't affect him driving through opponents midfield.
135 Posted 08/03/2021 at 16:09:12
136 Posted 08/03/2021 at 16:15:01
137 Posted 08/03/2021 at 16:15:56
Such an intelligent footballer. Such a numbnuts behind the wheel.
138 Posted 08/03/2021 at 16:24:18
139 Posted 08/03/2021 at 16:24:41
140 Posted 08/03/2021 at 16:28:38
5/1 or 6/1 does not represent good value.
Betting on away teams to win at Anfield is an entirely different matter.
Separately, I feel privileged as I have seen us win at Stamford Bridge. Definitely the scariest away ground I have been to.
141 Posted 08/03/2021 at 16:33:09
142 Posted 08/03/2021 at 16:33:25
143 Posted 08/03/2021 at 17:01:55
Subs: Virginia, Tyrer, Nkounkou, Bernard, Davies, Broadhead, Onyango, King, John.
144 Posted 08/03/2021 at 17:04:46
145 Posted 08/03/2021 at 17:07:20
146 Posted 08/03/2021 at 17:09:54
147 Posted 08/03/2021 at 17:12:59
Overun in midfield with Doucoure out you would presume
UNLESS the dottore can work his magic
Add Your Comments
In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.
Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.


1 Posted 06/03/2021 at 21:15:25
Fingers crossed Coleman is fit and Carlo picks the same back 3 as played when beating the shite. My opinion of course but l liked it a lot. Davies with Allan would also be nice... then again it depends on who is fit and which way the wind blows Carlos eyebrow. (Which has been under control of late).
On another note a 'Super Computer' today predicted that we will finish the season in 10th.