Chelsea vs Everton Preview: Team News & Prediction
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Chelsea head into this weekend once again needing a bit of win under pressure as they welcome an in-form Everton side down to Stamford Bridge in west London.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / USA – USA Network
How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / USA – Universo
Chelsea preview: Frustration for Chelsea
Enzo Maresca’s reign in charge of Chelsea has been littered by impressive runs of form that would suggest they could challenge for major honours before major and out of the blue blips that cost them, and they are in the middle of one of those now.
The Blues were beaten 2-1 by Atalanta in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League in midweek and that means they are now winless in their last four matches across all competitions.
Everton preview: In-form Toffees
Last weekend, a Nikola Milenkovic own goal early on before strikes from Thierno Barry and the excellent Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall gave Everton an impressive 3-0 defeat of Nottingham Forest at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
That was Everton’s fourth victory in five matches after wins against Fulham, Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth. Their impressive run of form leaves the Toffees just outside of the top four and the UEFA Champions League spots.
Chelsea team news: Palmer available
There is a chance that Cole Palmer gets a start here this weekend, having been rested against Atalanta, but it does still feel unlikely with Maresca saying he is better and available but not guaranteeing that he would begin the game.
Having suffered an eye problem against the Bergamasci, Wesley Fofana has been confirmed as being fine for this one but Liam Delap is now out for a while after suffering a shoulder injury. Moises Caicedo remains suspended.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Fernandez; Neto, Estevao, Garnacho; Pedro
Unavailable: Colwill (Injured), Caicedo (Suspended), Lavia (Injured), Essugo (Fitness), Mudryk (Disciplinary), Delap (Injured)
Questionable:
Everton team news: Barry a doubt
In his pre-match press conference, Everton boss David Moyes has confirmed that both Jarrad Branthwaite and Merlin Rohl are progressing in their respective recoveries, with both now back on the grass.
The Toffees are boosted in midfield with both Idrissa Gueye and Tim Iroegbunam having returned from their suspension issues, although Thierno Barry is now a doubt for the visitors.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; O'Brien, Patterson, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Beto
Unavailable: Branthwaite (Fitness), Coleman (Injured), Rohl (Fitness)
Questionable: Barry (Injured)
Chelsea vs Everton prediction
Chelsea have a very deliberate style of football that is quite intricate and so Maresca’s desire, or potential need, to consistently rotate, is not helping the hosts find cohesion and consistency at the moment. They face an Everton side that will be obdurate to play against and have some real threats of their own but David Moyes’ record against the biggest clubs is renowned for being poor and siding with an unconvincing Chelsea win seems a good bet.
Chelsea vs Everton tip: Chelsea to win & under 3.5 goals
