English Premier League 2011/12 Statistics: Everton vs. Chelsea Preview

Chelsea are in something of a twilight zone at the moment. Even when they get things absolutely spot on... either events conspire against them or they manage to shoot themselves in the foot. Last weekend should have been the absolute high-point of their season so far... it should have meant the Blues announcing a strong challenge on Tottenham for that crucial last Champions League position and it should have been a terrible weekend for Manchester United. Instead, a heroic comeback by the Red Devils from three goals down means Chelsea must re-gather and come out all guns blazing against an Everton side that is, even if they are struggling at the foot of the top ten, a difficult side to play.

Everton themselves, meanwhile, are in no end of strife. A club once lauded for their common-sense approach to football now finds itself without funds of any sort and a squad that is beginning to look (if it isn't already) threadbare. They need money... fast... and they need proven strikers up front, immediately.