Football returns after the international break and it’s also the first game since the transfer window slammed shut, with Everton losing Marouane Fellaini and Victor Anichebe but bringing in James McCarthy, Gareth Barry and last but not least, Romelu Lukaku.
The late Saturday kick off sees Roberto Martinez’s toughest challenge yet as manager of the Blues as Jose ‘the special one’ Mourinho return with his unbeaten Chelsea side.
Team News
Martinez confirmed that Darron Gibson and Antolin Alcaraz are back to full training with the first team squad, but the Spaniard did say he doesn’t expect them to feature this weekend. Evertonians could see two new signings Gareth Barry and James McCarthy, but unfortunately one of misfiring Jelavic or Kone will be given another chance as Lukaku is ineligble to play against his parent club.
As for Chelsea, Eden Hazard and Oscar both picked up knocks during international duty but it is thought that both will be available to play some part of the game. Some players travelled great distances for international duty and old timers Lampard and Cole played 2 games in a week as well so some may be rested. There could be debuts for new recruits Willian, Eto’o or even Van Ginkel.
Everton Likely Line Up
Howard
Coleman Jagielka Distin Baines
McCarthy Osman
Mirallas Barkley Pienaar
Kone
Everton Form
D (Norwich) -D (West Brom)-D (Cardiff)
Chelsea Likely Line Up
Cech
Ivanovic Terry Luiz Cole
Lampard Ramires
Hazard Mata Schürrle
Torres
Chelsea Form
W (Hull) – W (Aston Villa) – D (Manchester United) – D (Bayern Munich)
Referee
Howard Webb