If Chelsea were to lose their FA Cup quarter-final at Everton today, the Blues’ season would be all but over already. In a disastrous campaign at the office, a not-so-calamitous one since Guus Hiddink stepped into the frame though, Chelsea still have a shot at continuing their quest for a trophy this season. The soon to be dethroned defending English Champions were ousted out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain this week which directly puts a shadow over their prospects of winning at Goodison Park as the Toffies will go into the cup tie more confident and desirous of progressing to the semi-finals at the first time of asking.
Guus Hiddink has won all six of his FA Cup matches in charge of Chelsea, but the fact that one of them was against Everton in the 2009 final, the Dutchman’s final game in his first stint as temporary Blues boss, will be a profound source of motivation for the Merseysiders, whose fans will be vocal from the start in support of Roberto Martinez’s team. Inspiration and perspiration will be key drivers in determining the outcome of the tie and Hiddink will need to summon every ounce of his vast experience as a coach and manager to make the right call when it comes to naming Chelsea’s starting XI.
Here are 3 things Chelsea needs to avoid defeat at Everton:
Recover from UCL knockout as soon as possible.
Costa or no Costa, Terry or no Terry, Chelsea have to stand up and be counted for the full duration of the match against Everton. There will be no excuses accepted for half-hearted performances. Lose and the Blues’ season will be over before Easter. Perish that thought and Hiddink therefore needs to ensure his players fully understand and, perhaps more importantly, care about the consequences of such failure.
Chelsea must line up at Goodison Park in a QF fashion.
Lineups could be casual or they could be serious. The Blues cannot afford to cut any slack for anything, be it a player, manager or staff. If Eden Hazard needs to play in spite of his hip-issues, they must get him to the ball. For all we know, his midas touch just might return in time to give Chelsea the hopes of winning at least a cup this campaign. The lineup shall also include the likes of Bertrand Traore because he has been spectacular in the immediate past. Though Hiddink has advised that Hazard is “desperate to participate in the team performance,” at Everton, many fans would rather see Hiddink exclude the midfielder in order to accommodate livewire youngster Bertrand Traore.
The emergence of the 20-year-old Burkina Faso international, who has scored in the past two rounds of the FA Cup, has been one of the few reasons Chelsea fans have had to be cheerful about during the course of this tumultuous campaign. Of far greater significance than the availability of Hazard to Chelsea’s chances of beating Everton, or failing that coming away from Goodison with a draw, is the fitness of striker Diego Costa as well.
Accepting no excuses for half-hearted performances being put in.
John Terry has come through training unscathed and is fit enough to join an inspiring Blues unit at Goodison Park is a huge plus. Terry’s do-or-die attitude and influence has been sorely missed during his injury lay-off, and should he be able to lead the ranks it be a fillip for Blues supporters who know their beloved “captain, leader, legend” will give his all for the club.
Not much time to lick our wounds and feel sorry for ourselves. After losing the biggest match of the season on Wednesday, we now face the biggest match of the season again as we bid to advance to the FA Cup semifinals for the first time since 2013.
Must win. Just like old times. Simple as that.
Key Facts:
- The last time the Blues lost an FA Cup quarter-final was against Barnsley in 2008. Since then they have won four of five matches at this stage, drawing the other at Manchester United in 2013.
- Guus Hiddink has won all six of his FA Cup matches in charge of Chelsea.
- Diego Costa has scored or assisted 17 goals in his last 15 games in all competitions (11 goals, 6 assists).
- Guus Hiddink is unbeaten when it comes to managing Chelsea in FA Cup matches, winning all six.
- The former Chelsea striker, Romelu Lukaku has scored in each of his last four FA Cup appearances for Everton.
- Chelsea have never won an FA Cup game at Goodison Park, losing one and drawing two.
- In FA Cup quarter-finals, Everton don`t fare too well, they`ve lost five of their last seven including the last two.
Everton`s home form has dipped recently they`ve lost three of their last four.
To say that both Chelsea and Everton have disappointed this season would be an understatement. The FA Cup is the final chance for both to salvage something decent out of the ongoing disaster. This should be a desperate fight to survive and advance.
To Guus Hiddink, choose the team wisely.
To Chelsea FC, get us a cup.
We’ve never wanted the FA Cup this bad ever!