A few weeks ago, Chelsea looked like it had no chance at obtaining second place in the English Premier League. That result is now a major possibility with Chelsea just six points behind second place with a game in hand.
Chelsea's offense was being questioned after the squad went winless in seven straight, but that is no longer an issue. Rafael Benitez's team has not only won its last three, but has done so with offensive fanfare and strong defense. A few days after annihilating Aston Villa 8-0 the team managed a solid 1-0 win over Norwich City. Chelsea's Juan Mata scored a goal in the 38th minute and the defense did the rest by only limiting Norwich to one shot on goal the entire match. Goalkeeper Petr Cech has applauded his team's defense in the last few matches.
"We were conceding too many goals, playing really open," Cech said. "Suddenly, we are defending as a team much better - that is the key. Now we are back to our ways when we are difficult to score against."
They will face a solid offensive side when they take on Everton on Sunday morning. David Moyes' club has scored 32 goals this season and has won two straight. On Wednesday Everton took down Wigan Athletic with a pair of second half goals from Leon Osman and Phil Jagielka. Everton is tied with Tottenham Hotspur and West Bromwich Albion for fourth place and a win on Sunday could vault them ahead of Chelsea into third place.
Predictions: Chelsea will win a hard fought match. 2-1 Chelsea.
Start Time: 8:30 AM EST
TV Info: Fox Soccer Channel (Repeat Broadcasts on Dec. 30 at 5PM EST and Dec. 31 at 1 PM ESt)
Radio: TalkSport Radio