Everton v Chelsea: Ronny Goodlass talks tactics

Apr 17 2008 Liverpool Daily Post

CHELSEA will be determined to bounce back positively after unexpectedly dropping points against Wigan.

Avram Grant’s side must get three points to stay in the title chase.

Defence

PETR CECH returned to the side after his facial injury to play against Wigan.

He certainly brings more confidence to the back four. He is a calm goalkeeper with good positional sense and shot-stopping ability. But Everton should test him on crosses.

Michael Essien is one of the best midfielders in the country, but is equally at home at full-back. His all-energy style has earned him the nickname Bison.

Signed for £24.4m from Lyon, wherever he plays he will look to drive the team forward.

John Terry is the team’s inspirational captain. Never gives less than his all, is brave, aggressive, reads the game well and is strong in the air.

Ricardo Carvalho was one of former manager Jose Mourinho’s first signings from his old club Porto for £19.85m. He has formed a formidable partnership with Terry and won two Premier League titles. Snuffs out danger, times his tackles well and likes to bring the ball out of defence to set up attacks.

Everton may have to signal their positive intent by going with two up front.

Midfield

JOE COLE had the ability to be a top player from an early age, but has really matured.

He can play left or right and likes to dribble past defenders. He creates chances for others and comes up with vital goals as he did in the Carling Cup semi-final at Goodison Park.

At 35, Claude Makelele is still the best in the business at what he does. Sits in front of the back four, breaks up attacks and then moves the ball on constructively.

When Frank Lampard was signed from West Ham for £11m in 2001 it looked like a gamble, but now looks money well spent. He works tremendously hard for the team and his trademark bursts into the box have resulted in plenty of goals, including 18 this season so Chelsea will hope that he is back after his compassionate leave.

Attack

IF CHELSEA choose to go with a one-man attack in the shape of Didier Drogba it will not mean a defence-minded performance.

They have players like Cole and Lampard who look to get forward at every opportunity.

If he overcomes an ankle injury, Drogba will be the focal point and is one of the best strikers in the world. He has pace, is strong and boasts aerial power to go with his goals. He can also hold the ball up well to link up with others or give players the time to get forward in support. If he is not in the side, Chelsea lack a cutting edge.

Joseph Yobo may be brought back as his pace will be important to keep the shackles on Chelsea.

The fact that Grant also has options like Shaun Wright-Phillips, Nicolas Anelka and Salomon Kalou shows the difference between the haves and have-nots in the division.

The top four clubs have so much more strength in depth in their squads and Grant has the ability to be able to inject some pace into the side late on against tiring defenders, while Everton’s options are more limited, especially if injuries take their toll.

Dangerman

DIDIER DROGBA – a goal scoring record that cannot be ignored.

Overall verdict

EVERTON will certainly have to play better than they have done in recent weeks if they are going to win – but it can be done.