STAR PREVIEW: Everton v Chelsea

[dropcap]J[/dropcap]ust like Liverpool were prepared for the challenge against Man U in the Europa Cup this week I’ve a feeling that the blue half of Merseyside will be well up for the visit of Chelsea in the FA Cup.

Everton already hold an aggregate 6-4 lead over Chelsea in two Premier League games this season and there’s only two points between them in the table.

Chelsea haven’t had much time to re-group having been dumped out of the Champions League at the hands of PSG and in contrast Everton have not played since last week’s 3-2 defeat against West Ham so should be the fresher side.

Chelsea’s interim manager Guus Hiddink said: “We had a difficult loss [against Paris St-Germain] and just two days to recover physically, psychologically and mentally. It’s always a blow when you’re knocked out (even when) by a good team. Now the players have to respond. Mentally, it’s very important they’re resilient.”

Everton have not played well at home this season and will be without Bryan Oviedo is doubtful with a chest infection, whilst Aaron Lennon’s hamstring problem will also be assessed.

Kevin Mirallas begins a ban but Gareth Barry and Tom Cleverley should be fit after recovering from illness.

Chelsea have bigger injury concerns. They will assess the fitness of John Terry, who returns to the squad after recovering from a hamstring injury.

The Blues will also make a late decision on Diego Costa, who went off in midweek with a hip tendon injury.

Eden Hazard is however available despite being troubled by an ongoing hip problem.

Everton v Chelsea
FA Cup Quarter-Final
17:30 BBC One / BBC One HD

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Maximum 10 matches)
Jan 2016 PREMIER Chelsea 3-3 Everton
Sep 2015 PREMIER Everton 3-1 Chelsea
Feb 2015 PREMIER Chelsea 1-0 Everton
Aug 2014 PREMIER Everton 3-6 Chelsea
Feb 2014 PREMIER Chelsea 1-0 Everton
Sep 2013 PREMIER Everton 1-0 Chelsea
May 2013 PREMIER Chelsea 2-1 Everton
Dec 2012 PREMIER Everton 1-2 Chelsea
Feb 2012 PREMIER Everton 2-0 Chelsea
Oct 2011 CARLING CUP Everton 1-2 Chelsea

Everton at 13/8 makes appeal with Star Sports and I’ll also take the 100/30 about them leading at HT and FT.

Come on the Blues. The Everton Blues that is.

RECOMMENDED BETS (scale of 1-100 points)

BACK EVERTON for 10 points at around 13/8 with Star Sports

BACK EVERTON/EVERTON HT/FT for 6 points at around 100/30 with Star Sports

Thursday -10.00 points (Friday no bet)

What’s your view? CALL STAR SPORTS 08000 521 321