English Premier League Preview, Chelsea Vs. Everton: Michael Essien, John Terry Returns Look To Right Blues

For Chelsea, it all starts to get better tomorrow, provided they win. Michael Essien will be back from suspension. John Terry returns from back problems. They get the 16th place team at home. Things will get better for the Blues tomorrow. If not? They’re almost out of excuses, though thanks to the weather in west Lancashire, Chelsea won’t have to worry about losing ground on Manchester United.

Here’s the problem: In their last four league meetings with Everton, Chelsea’s 0-3-1. Within that span they did beat Everton 2-1 in an FA Cup Final, but that only gets them back to even ground against the Toffees. Everton is a problem for Chelsea, and they were before the Toffees scored three last year at the Bridge and Luis Saha’s brace got Everton three points at Goodison.

That loss exposed a problem in Chelsea’s set piece defending that survived until the drama of John Terry’s winter. had passed Since, defending set pieces has been downgraded from problem to slight concern. With Terry returning from a three week absence to partner Branislav Ivanovic, those problems could resurface. Ivanovic, replacing the injured Alex, is very strong in the air, but he was also on the field last year when Chelsea gave Everton five goals in two matches.

If the Toffees are to replicate that success, they need to find somebody to complement Tim Cahill (eight goals). Whereas last year Luis Saha scored three times against Chelsea, this year Everton’s non-Cahill forwards have registered two goals all season. Saha is goalless this season, begging the question: Even if Chelsea’s defense does have problems, which Toffee is going to exploit them? It’s Cahill or no one, particularly with Mikel Arteta suspended.

Possible Lineup, Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech / Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole / Essien, Mikel, Malouda / Anelka, Drogba, Kalou

Essien’s return likely moves Ramires to the bench, though it’s possible the Brazilian stays in the team with Salomon Kalou losing his spot. If that happens, Malouda resumes his hole on the left side of attack.

Possible Lineup, Everton (4-4-2): Howard / Hibbert, Heitenga, Distin, Baines / Coleman, Neville, Fellaini, Peinaar / Cahill, Yakubu

Everton’s lineup has more uncertainties. At the back, Phil Jagielka’s ankle keeps him a doubt. If he plays, he starts along side Sylvain Distin. John Heitenga would move to the midfield, with Phil Neville starting at right back. Jack Rodwell could also return. If he does, he may start along side Marouane Fellaini (back from suspension), also pushing Neville into defense.

Key Matchup: Everton’s forwards versus Chelsea’s central defense, a risk Chelsea can offset if their midfield performs well. If they’re clicking, holding possession with their league-best passing efficiency, Chelsea can limit the chances of giving up fouls and corners, both of which would give Everton dead ball chances. Should the Toffees get those chances, things get pretty straight forward. Can John Terry and Branislav Invanovic handle Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Tim Cahill?

Battle Within The Battle: It comes down to those fouls. With their wide midfielders, Everton has players who can make most defenses panic, but against José Bosingwa and Ashley Cole, Steven Pienaar and Seamus Coleman won’t have such advantages. If Bosingwa and Cole can handle them (and if Mikel John Obi doesn’t get too reckless), Chelsea will force Everton to beat them from open play. If you support Chelsea, that’s got to be an encouraging scenario.

Pick: Through Chelsea’s November struggles they have steadily improved. They’ve even managed to relocate Didier Drogba (now it’s just a matter of the Ivorian delivering). When the returns of Terry and Essien, the absence of Arteta, Everton’s other struggles combine with Chelsea’s need to get reverse course, I like the Blues to record their largest victory over Everton since 2006: 3-1.