Phil Lythell
Sport News 24/7Chelsea need Toffees win to avoid sticky situation
By Phil Lythell, on 11th December 2009, 15:01 UTC
Chelsea play host to Everton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday as they bid to return to winning ways.
After a hugely impressive display at the Emirates Stadium a fortnight ago - when they brushed aside the challenge of Arsenal to record a thumping 3-0 win - the Blues have stuttered somewhat.
A penalty shootout elimination in the Carling Cup at the hands of Blackburn Rovers was then followed by a controversial defeat at Manchester City. A presumed walkover against Cypriot minnows APOEL Nicosia in their final group game in the Champions League proved to be anything but as the visitors stunned a packed Stamford Bridge with a late equaliser.
To add to Chelsea's annoyance, the express train that is Michael Essien suffered a hamstring injury just after scoring in that match and will not feature for Carlo Ancelotti's team until his national team, Ghana, have completed their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with the final being on January 31st.
Everton have had a torrid time with injuries this season and results have not been kind as a consequence.
The Toffees find themselves 15th in the Barclays Premier League table though they would have been even lower had goalkeeper Tim Howard not saved a Jermain Defoe spot-kick in injury time during their 2-2 draw with Tottenham last weekend.
The visitors will be missing the talismanic Tim Cahill due to suspension while Mikel Arteta and Phil Jagielka are still on the long-term injury list.
Expect Chelsea to rediscover that winning feeling but a David Moyes side never lacks for spirit and workrate to which two goalless draws against their west London opponents last season testifies.
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