Third Strip To Debut At Chelsea

Blues to wear popular new shirt for the first time.

Everton will wear the 2011/12 third kit for the first time when they visit Chelsea on Saturday.

The men Goodison Park head to West London for an evening kick-off against Andre Villas Boas’ team in the Premier League.

And the Blues will be hoping their new changed strip can bring them the same luck at Stamford Bridge as last season’s third kit did.

Twice they wore their third-choice colours against John Terry, Frank Lampard & co, and twice they left the happier team.

The first time was in the league, with Jermaine Beckford poaching a point late in the game, while the second trip to the Bridge provided the highlight of last season.

Leighton Baines’ mesmeric last-gasp free-kick earned his side extra-time in the fourth round of the FA Cup, before Phil Neville rammed home the decisive penalty in a nerve-shredding shootout.

Following the popularity of last year’s vanilla shirt, the Blues opted for a lighter colour again for this season’s offering.

The glacier marl shirt is teamed with navy shorts and also features a vintage grandad-style collar.

Blues defender Johnny Heitinga donned the strip for its launch earlier this season, and he said: “The kit is a great colour and I really like the style. I’m looking forward to wearing it and I’m sure the fans will love it too.”