Carling Cup 8/1/2008 - Chelsea vs Everton - Moyes Stuffs It To Chelsea

Chelsea were expected to struggle after the loss of Jose Mourinho, but under Avram Grant, the Londoners have surprised many and are still in the running for 4 trophies. Although the Carling Cup ranks the lowest among the 4 soccer competitions, but since Chelsea are already in the semis, I’m sure that Grant will not miss the chance to win his first trophy as the club’s manager.

However, the loss of players to injury and the African Nations Cup will severely test the club to the limits. Already with Terry and Lampard out with injury, Chelsea will be missing Essien, Kalou and Drogba to the African Nations Cup. One piece of good news is that Carvalho will be back from suspension, and that Cech and Shevchenko may return against Everton.


Form wise, Chelsea is doing well. Since the defeat to Arsenal (16 Dec) against Emirates, they have 5w 1d from their last 6 games. Also, Chelsea has been unbeaten at home for almost close to 2 years, with Barcelona being the last team to win at Stamford Bridge. However, this season the Blues have drawn more games then they would have liked at home, with a 6w 4d 0l record in their 10 home games in the league.

Everton is, as expected, doing well as one of the clubs outside the Big 4 in the EPL. They are in 6th place in the league, and are still in the UEFA Cup competition, finishing as group winners. However, they suffered a setback last weekend, when they were shockingly knocked out of the FA Cup by Oldham. But on closer examination, Everton were missing Howard, Lescott, Yakubu, Cahill and Yobo. Even though David Moyes still fielded a relatively strong team, but the above mentioned players are important 1st team regulars. One wonders if the result would have been different if they have played.

Barring the 0-1 reverse to Oldham, Everton have been strong in the cups this season. League from wise, Everton have 5w 2d 4l on their travels, but in cup competitions, the Merseysiders are unbeaten in 6 games on the road, with 5w 1d 0l.

David Moyes knows that the Carling Cup represents the best chance Everton have of a trophy this season, and I’m sure he will field his stronget team today. 1 big part missing for the team though is the absence of playmaker Arterta. Almost all of Everton’s attacking play goes through him, and he misses the match through suspension today.

Chelsea are currently unbeaten against Everton in their last 14 meetings (home and away), winning 9 of the 14 games. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 14 games against Everton. Last 2 meetings at Stamford Bridge has ended in 1-1 draws though.

This has all the makings of a tight game. Chelsea, although doing relatively well this season, just never looks the same without Terry, Lampard and Drogba, who form the spine of the team. David Moyes Everton are always well organised and disciplined, and this season has only been stuffed by Arsenal. This being a 2 legged semi final, I’m certain that Moyes will try to contain Chelsea and leave with a draw or a slim 1 goal defeat. A tight game means few goals and Everton having a good chance leaving the game with something, in case you guys find it hard to read.