On-loan Everton midfielder Landon Donovan is convinced that the Toffees can beat any team in the English Premier League at Goodison Park, including Chelsea.
David Moyes’ side are scheduled to play host to the Blues at the weekend, and they may just fancy their chances.
“Since the day I got here there has always been the belief this team can compete with any team in the Premier League,” the United States international told evertonfc.com.
“When I was here last time we beat Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and should have drawn at Tottenham – so there is no fear in this Club.”
Historically, Everton have been very tough to break down at Goodison Park and this year has been no different.
Despite not really hitting top form, the Toffees have conceded just 13 goals in 12 home matches, revealing that Moyes’ side are just as stingy as usual.
Although Donovan is eyeing three points against the Blues on Saturday, he dubbed the side one of the best in the world.
“We have a lot of respect for Chelsea, they are one of the best teams in the world, but we feel at Goodison we have a chance and we are going to go for it,” said Donovan.
“They’ve come off an interesting result against Manchester United [losing a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3] so it will be an interesting game to see how they respond to that.”
Recent Form
Everton are unbeaten in their last five matches, having tallied two wins and three draws, including a 1-0 triumph over table-toppers Manchester City.
In retrospect, Andre Villas-Boas’ Chelsea have an identical record, two wins and three draws, in their last five fixtures, including the infamous 3-3 draw against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge last Sunday.
Everton v Chelsea: Match Preview
As previously mentioned, Andre Villas-Boas’ Chelsea will travel to Liverpool to take on David Moyes’ Everton on Saturday, February 11.
At the moment, Chelsea are 200/1 to win the Premier League.
In other words, their chances at winning the title are slim to none, which means that AVB should shift his attention to finishing in the top four to ensure Champions League football in west London in 2012-13.
Will Chelsea take care of business on Saturday, or will the Blues allow their competition to continue to breathe down their necks until May?
Players to Watch
Former Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson, who scored the winner for Everton against Manchester City, is the man to watch for the Toffees.
Gibson must boss the game in the center of the pitch if Everton are to challenge the more-talented Chelsea.
Not only will Gibson need to be a defensive presence versus the Blues, but he will also need to orchestrate Everton’s counter-attacks by getting the ball to Tim Cahill and Landon Donovan as early as possible.
If he can do that, I fancy Everton to get at least one point on Saturday.
Juan Mata is surely the man to keep an eye on for Chelsea.
The Spaniard has bagged eight goals and 10 assists in 30 games (all competitions) in his first season with Chelsea, and has undoubtedly been the Blues best player by some distance.
Prediction
This clash has 1-1 draw written all over it.
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
