CHELSEA v EVERTON PREVIEW: The Captain returns!

Chelsea take on Everton in the lunchtime Premier League kick off at Stamford Bridge tomorrow as we look to maintain our league position at the top.

Tomorrow's game is an interesting one for me based on our last performance. I always expected Mourinho to make changes for the FA Cup game against Man City but he never did. Where does that leave the likes of Andre Schurrle, Mohamed Salah and Demba Ba?

The Opposition:

Games against Everton are always difficult in any season but now more than ever with Roberto Martinez at the helm. Although saying that, Chelsea had more than their fair share of chances at Goodison Park earlier in the season and I still cannot understand how we lost the game up there.

Everton have changed their style this season and look to keep possession of the football and make good use of it. Will they be able to do that against Jose Mourinho's Chelsea? I am not so sure but it will be interesting to see how they approach the game.

The Manager:

Martinez spoken ahead of this one this morning and states that he sees the game tomorrow looking at just how far Everton have come this season. He talked of competing against sides in the Champions League being the yardstick to where you are as a team. He also spoke of coming to Stamford Bridge to try and win the game which is good to hear.

Chelsea:

Chelsea have to be encouraged knowing that Everton will not come here to park the bus. Does that mean the game will be fairly open? We have to wait and see.

It's very, very important for us to bounce back from our last performance. We looked tired and leggy, looked second best in all departments and had players who were outstanding in the first game, mediocre in the second.

Nemanja Matic and Mohamed Salah are cup tied in midweek against Galatasaray and available tomorrow with the former the most likely to start. One player who makes an important return to the team is John Terry after completing training this week.

The Manager:

Jose Mourinho has stated this afternoon that he is not thinking about our Champions League game next week but is preparing a team for Everton that he believes is strong enough to win the game.

Mourinho also welcomed back John Terry to the team and spoke of the Terry being the voice when his cannot be heard. He said:

'For me, the captain's armband doesn't mean so much. What really matters is the voice on the pitch. Many times I can't control that, especially when they are defending the goal far away from my position. Sometimes there are things to control, like the distances, position of the defensive line and the line where we start pressing the opponent. To have a player on the pitch with this kind of voice, to transmit what I need, is important.'

Predicted Chelsea starting eleven: 

Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry(c), Azpilicueta, Matic, Lampard, Willian, Oscar, Hazard, Torres.

Conclusion:

Chelsea have an early chance to put pressure on Manchester City and Arsenal at the Bridge. A win would put us four clear of Arsenal and six clear of City before they play later that afternoon.

Jose Mourinho will be looking for a reaction from his players ahead of Galatasaray and the likes of Oscar and Eden Hazard could once again prove to be match winners.

Chelsea need to deal with the threat Everton have from the dead ball specialist Leighton Baines if they to have a chance to extend Jose Mourinho's unbeaten home record.

Score Prediction:

Chelsea to win this one by 2 goals.