Sports Blog 11/02/2015: Match Preview – Chelsea vs Everton, Wednesday 11th February 2015

Following the record deal between Sky and BT that saw a whopping £5.1 billion spent on the TV rights to the Premier League, Chelsea and Everton set out to prove the money was worth it in tonight’s match at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho’s men are sitting 7 points clear at the top of the table, yet haven’t looked at their best in their past few games. 2015 has indeed seen them scrape through to the League Cup final after two tight legs against Liverpool, but it also saw that embarrassing defeat to Bradford and last weekend’s narrow victory against Aston Villa. Tonight’s game against Everton may be just what the doctor ordered; in their first fixture this season Chelsea won 6-3, and a similar performance tonight will answer the naysayers doubts.

Everton, on the other hand, have looked limp this season, and as their list of injuries grow will likely struggle to get something at Stamford Bridge. In fact, the Toffees haven’t won at Stamford Bridge in their last 23 visits, and given their recent form with only 1 win in their last 10 matches a change in this trend will be difficult.



Both sides have key players returning, with Fabregas back for Chelsea whilst Tim Howard resumes his place between the goalposts for Everton. However, what will be more interesting is who is absent. Diego Costa, who led the charge in that 6-3 win, is suspended, whilst Leighton Baines joins the Toffees’ long list of injuries, one that already includes Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar.

Chelsea should be able to see past Costa’s absence, with Willian (11/1 to score first) in fine form, and Loic Remy (15/4 on 5 goals) keen to earn his place in the first team. They also have Eden Hazard on 13 goals, and favourite to score first at 4/1, with Oscar on 7 goals at 13/2 and captain John Terry on an impressive 5 goals at 16/1. Everton will be desperate for former Chelsea man Romelu Lukaku to score, at 11/1 on 10 goals, alongside Kevin Mirallas on 8 goals and Steven Naismith on 6 goals, both at 14/1.

Everton are currently staying out of the relegation battle, with 4 points separating them and 18th place Aston Villa. However, with only a few losses this situation could change and Everton could find themselves embroiled in a scrap to stay up. Sadly for the Toffees, our clients don’t fancy their chances tonight, with the Blues favourites at a Chelsea/Everton Goal Supremacy spread betting quote of 1.4-1.6 with a Total Goals spread betting quote of 2.65-2.85.