For the second midweek running Chelsea are away from home, this time at Goodison Park. Chelsea are atop the Premier League with a two point gap over Manchester United, whilst Everton are currently exactly mid table.
Chelsea are coming off a resounding 2-0 win against Arsenal on the weekend, whilst Everton were defeated in the Merseyside derby 1-0 by Liverpool.
The Blues have no fresh problems heading into this match, but Everton will be missing Marouane Fellaini through injury and Steven Pienaar through suspension. Happily, Phillippe Senderos is available for Everton having moved on loan from Arsenal. Didier Drogba will be pleased.
Chelsea haven’t lost to Everton in 24 matches. The last time Everton beat Chelsea was in 2000, a 2-1 win at Goodison Park, the winner scored by Kevin Campbell. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was sent off.
In the match at Goodison Park last season these two sides played out a 0-0 draw. Scolari’s side had John Terry sent off in a match that saw Tim Cahill played as a long striker by David Moyes.
In the reverse fixture this season, the two sides played out a topsy turvy 3-3 draw. All of Everton’s goals came from set pieces, though they had more than their fair share of luck. Drogba scored twice and Nicolas Anelka once in that match.
Ladbrokes and William Hill have posted identical odds for this match, with Everton 4/1 long shots. Chelsea are strong favourites at 8/11, whilst the draw is paying a reasonably enticing 5/2.