Chelsea vs Everton

A dull 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge will have suited Everton far more in their search for a Champions League spot than Chelsea’s dying championship hopes.
However, Tom Allen’s wise spot that this game would lack goals saw us bank some profit.

Although Everton’s FA Cup victory over Manchester United on Sunday came via the penalty spot following a goalless 120 minutes their overall defensive effort shouldn’t be overlooked. The centre back partnership of Joleon Lescott and Phil Jagielka is now among the very best in the land and that pair, along with their jubilant team-mates, can make life difficult for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The match on Wednesday is, of course, a dress rehearsal for the showpiece back at Wembley next month and both sets of players are bound to have that on their minds. There is the possibility, however, that this could be a cagey affair and I think the 1.93 on offer about there being two goals or less looks big.

Chelsea’s title ambitions still remain but only just and surely their best chance of silverware this season is via the FA Cup and/or Champions League. Likewise, Everton have little left to play for in the Premier League, despite obvious pride which David Moyes will demand, and this could be a case of after the Lord Mayor’s show for both.

Chelsea looked tired on Saturday while Everton played their hearts out for for two hours and I predict a low scoring, forgettable encounter. Premier League matches at Stamford Bridge rarely feature many goals and the Toffees proved against the Red Devils on Sunday just how resilient they are. It is unlikely that Didier Drogba will be able to bully his way on to the scoresheet given who he is up against and the visitors also defend set-pieces extremely well, an area which Chelsea usually target.

Although Chelsea still possess plenty of threats Everton are hurt by their lack of a recognised forward and this was certainly evident against United. Moyes’ men have prospered versus the lesser sides fielding Cahill and Fellaini in more advanced positions but up against Terry and Alex they may find things tougher and they will certainly be happy to escape with a point. It’s unlikely they’ll get one, I take Chelsea’s class to just prevail, but Everton certainly won’t be overwhelmed and the bet looks a good one.