Following their exit from the UEFA Champions League in midweek, a wounded Chelsea side travel to Goodison Park on Saturday to take on Everton in their FA Cup quarter-final tie.
Guus Hiddink is yet to lose an FA Cup game as Chelsea boss, and the Dutchman will be hoping to continue that run this weekend. The equation for the Blues is simple, particularly after being bundled out of the Champions League by PSG on Wednesday: lose to Everton, and the season is effectively over.
The return of John Terry will be a major boost for the Blues, who also have Belgian Eden Hazard available, despite the 25-year-old being substituted in midweek with a suspected hip problem.
Everton, on the other hand, have also had an extremely disappointing season in the Premier League. The FA Cup remains Roberto Martínez’s only hope of salvation, and the Spaniard will be keen to get the better of Chelsea once again this season at Goodison Park, following a convincing 3-1 win earlier in the campaign.
Lineups
Everton
Possible starting XI (4-2-3-1): Robles; Coleman, Jagielka (C), Funes Mori, Baines; McCarthy, Barry; Deulofeu, Barkley, Cleverley; Lukaku
Chelsea FC
Possible starting XI (4-3-3): Courtois; Ivanović, Cahill, Terry (C), Azpilicueta; Matić, Mikel, Fàbregas; Pedro, Willian, Traoré
Key Stats
- Chelsea have reached the FA Cup quarter-final for the 10th time in the last 15 seasons
- Everton have lost three of their last four games at Goodison Park — to West Ham United, West Brom and Swansea City
- If John Terry is selected, he will make his 700th appearance for Chelsea
- Roberto Martínez’s men are yet to concede a goal in the FA Cup this season
- Chelsea have won 3 of their last 5 games at Goodison Park in all competitions.
Prediction
Everton 1 – 1 Chelsea
Everton’s record at home leaves a lot to be desired, but Chelsea have been dealt a big blow with the injury to Diego Costa, who has been one of the league’s most prolific strikers since the turn of the year. With both sides struggling for consistency, a low-scoring draw is likely at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Odds (bet365)
- Everton: 2.62
- Draw: 3.50
- Chelsea: 2.80