In what should be an exciting encounter, Everton will take on Chelsea at Goodison Park on Saturday. It may be recalled that Chelsea were the only team to beat Everton at the venue last season.
Overview
Both the teams have new managers for the season. Chelsea have brought back Jose Mourinho while Everton welcomeed former WIgan Athletic coach Roberto Martinez.
Mourinho has enjoyed a successful start to his second stint at the club. He has won two out of three fixtures and drawn one. His team are second in the table behind Liverpool.
Everton, on the other hand, have only three points from three games after three draws. Fans will be worried because of the resultless beginning but will also accept that the players need time to adapt to Martinez' ideas and style of play, which are dramatically different from those of former manager David Moyes.
Team News
Samuel Eto'o is scheduled to make his debut for Chelsea. Mourinho has confirmed that the Cameroon international should play some part in the game.
"He will be selected and, when you are selected and you are a striker, normally you play," Mourinho said. "You start the game or finish the game. My attacking players normally when I select them they play because it's the area I make most changes in the match. So, normally, he will play his first minutes for Chelsea."
The main talking point in Chelsea's team is whether or not Juan Mata features in the match. The Spaniard has found himself predominantly on the bench so far this season though Mourinho has been insisting that all is well with him.
"Where is he? He is in the same plans as all the others," Mourinho explained. "He is a player I like very much, that's why he's here. He is a player I trust a lot and will fight for position like everybody else. Sometimes he will start, sometimes on the bench and sometimes he may not be selected because the squad is so competitive."
Chelsea have no injury worries.
Unfortunately for Everton, new loan-signing Romelu Lukakau cannot play owing to the fact that the fixture is against his parent club Chelsea. Lukaku is one of many signings made by the club in what was an impressive transfer window. New signings James McCarthy and Gareth Barry are expected to feature in midfield after arriving from Wigan Athletic and Manchester City respectively. Arouna Kone, also brought in from Wigan, should play ahead of Nikica Jelavic as the lone striker.
Darren Gibson and Antolin Alcaraz are unavailable due to injuries.
Where to Watch
Kick-off is at 10pm IST (Saturday, September 14) and live coverage will be available on Star Sports and ESPN HD.
