Chelsea host Everton at Stamford Bridge this weekend in a crucial Premier League fixture that could define their race for Champions League qualification.
Currently sixth with 57 points from 33 games, Chelsea trail fifth-place Newcastle United by just two points.
With top-five contenders Manchester City, Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa engaged in the FA Cup semi-finals, Chelsea have a chance to move up the standings, but it won’t be easy.
They face Everton, who have been incredible since appointing Moyes. The previous fixture between these two ended in a goalless draw and since then, Chelsea have struggled in the Premier League, the same can’t be said for Everton.
In their last two games, Chelsea drew against relegation-riddled Ipswich but managed to pull off a last-minute comeback against Fulham thanks to goals from Tyrique George and Pedro Neto.
Everton on the other hand, took three points on Nottingham in a sordid fixture but were beaten with minutes to spare against Manchester City, a fixture they almost took a point.
Coming into this match, the Blues have a dominant record against Everton at home, remaining unbeaten in 29 Premier League meetings since 1994.
Everton, under David Moyes, have secured survival and have little to play for, making Chelsea firm favourites. This match is a must-win for Chelsea if they want to qualify for Europe and it remains to be seen if Maresca’s men are up to the task.
