Everton vs Chelsea – Saturday 12th September, 12:45
This weekend’s early kick off sees Roberto Martinez’s Everton welcome Chelsea to Goodison Park, in what is set to be an intriguing clash. In the corresponding fixture last season, Chelsea ran out 6-3 winners in one of the most dramatic matches of the campaign, but Everton will be looking to take advantage of the champions’ indifferent start to this season.
One of the battles that will be key to the outcome of this match is Diego Costa coming up against John Stones. Costa scored twice in the 6-3 win last season, and Stones, who was linked with Chelsea throughout the summer, will be the man put in charge of stopping him. Costa only has one goal to his name so far this season, but is proving a constant threat, with a shot on goal every 49 minutes. Stones, meanwhile, has won 10 tackles this season, with an 83.3% success rate. In addition, Stones has made 18 clearances and six interceptions.
One player that Costa clashed with last was Seamus Coleman, who will this weekend be likely to have to cope with the threat of Eden Hazard down the wing. There is sure to be a speed battle on that side of the pitch, with Hazard having made 218 sprints, in comparison to Coleman’s 224. Hazard has also completed the second most dribbles in the Premier League, with 14, and Coleman will have to be on the top of his game to prevent him from causing damage.
Thibaut Courtois looks set to spend some time on the sidelines through a knee injury, and AsmirBegovic will be looking to take advantage of his absence. Begovic has already started once this season, as well as coming off the bench on the first day of the season, and has recorded the fifth most saves per game of any Premier League keeper, with 4.5 per game. Former Chelsea striker RomeluLukaku will be looking to get the better of Begovic on the weekend, after scoring two goals in his first four games. Lukaku will provide a clear aerial presence to Begovic and Chelsea, and the imposing Belgian has won 60% of his aerial duels so far this season.
Cesc Fabregas has made the third most touches of any player in the Premier League with 109, and faces a tough midfield battle against Everton’s James McCarthy. McCarthy himself has made the most touches of any Everton player (73). Both players have made an impact in opposition territory, with Fabregas completing 64.8% of his passes in his opponent’s halves, closely followed by McCarthy with 62.1%.
Predicted Lineups:
Prediction:
Everton 2 Chelsea 2
Data supplied by the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index. Select and manage your own team of stars with at http://fantasy.premierleague.com/ or with FIFA Ultimate team.
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