Chelsea v Everton, Premier League: Preview and Team News
David Moyes takes charge of his final game for Everton before moving to Manchester United to replace Sir Alex Ferguson
Chelsea host Everton on the final day of the 2012/13 Premier League season, fresh from their success in the UEFA Europa League final.
The Blues beat Portuguese club Benfica 2-1 in Amsterdam, to win their second European trophy in as many years. Roman Abramovich might have preferred his side to retain their Champions League crown, but this is surely not a bad end to their season.
Everton will travel to west London with David Moyes taking charge of his last game for the club. The Scot replaces compatriot Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United next season and will want to leave Everton fans with a victory to remember him by.
The reverse fixture, in late December, finished 2-1 in favour of Chelsea, with a Frank Lampard brace overturning Steven Pienaar's early goal.
Where to Watch
Kick-off is set for 4pm BST. Catch highlights on Match of the Day, on BBC One and BBC One HD, at 10.25pm BST.
Overview
Chelsea's last league game was last weekend, when they beat Aston Villa 2-1 at Villa Park. Lampard scored both goals to become the club's all-time leading goal scorer. The 34-year-old England international may be in the twilight of his career but he continues to be the west London side's most valuable player and richly deserves his new 12-month contract.
The win against Paul Lambert's men also means Chelsea and Arsenal continue their fascinating race for third place in the Premier League. The two London clubs are separated by two points and a single goal, meaning the right set of results could force a play-off to decide the final automatic entrant to next season's Champions League.
The play-off will be held at Villa Park and has been scheduled for 26 May.
The Blues have won six of their last seven games, with Spurs the only side since mid-April to hold off Rafael Benitez's men. That run includes not only the Europa League win but also a late win over champions Manchester United. All in all, the west London side are in excellent form.
Chelsea have won 11 of their 18 home games this season, with only two defeats. They've scored 39 goals at Stamford Bridge (only Arsenal and United have scored more) and conceded 15 times (only Manchester City have conceded fewer goals).
Everton, meanwhile, are predictably solid when they travel. The Toffees have drawn nine of 18 games so far, with an equal number of goals scored and conceded (21).
Moyes has ensured a second successive end of season finish above local rivals Liverpool and that, combined with a legacy for good, honest and hard-working football forms the bulk of his considerable legacy to fans at Goodison Park.
Everton have drawn two and won two of their last five games, with Sunderland the only side to beat them. The fact this run has seen three goals scored and one conceded epitomises the Toffees' style of play.
The blue half of Merseyside best West Ham United 2-0 in their last game, with a brace from Kevin Mirallas. The Belgian forward had injury problems at the start of the season but seems to be finding his feet now and that is good news for Everton's future. Particularly so since The Sun believes Moyes will take left-back Leighton Baines and midfielder Marouane Fellaini with him to Old Trafford.
Team Form
Chelsea
- Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): W W D W W
- Last Match: Benfica 1 - 2 Chelsea
Everton
- Last Five (all competitions, most recent first): W D W L D
- Last Match: Everton 2 - 0 West Ham United
Team News
Eden Hazard (hamstring) and John Terry (ankle) are both unavailable. Left-back Ryan Bertrand (knee) will also miss this match. Spain striker Fernando Torres may be benched for this game, to allow Senegal's Demba Ba to play; the African did not play in the Europa League final because he was cup-tied.
Probable Line-Up: Cech; Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Cahill, Cole; Mikel, Luiz; Oscar, Mata, Ramires; Ba
Moyes' final game in charge will likely start with the same side that beat the Hammers in their last game. Former Manchester United defender Phil Neville, who has been linked with a return to Old Trafford with Moyes, is out with a knee problem. Midfielder Leon Osman (also knee) is also unavailable.
Probable Line-Up: Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Mirallas, Gibson, Pienaar, Anichebe; Fellaini; Jelavic
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