Everton vs Chelsea Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Everton headed into a very tough festive period but a postponement of the Merseyside Derby and a draw against Arsenal has helped them ahead of now facing title challenging Chelsea.
Kick-off date/time: Sunday 22nd December, 2024: UK – 2:00pm / US ET – 9:00am / US PT – 6:00am
How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – USA Network
How to watch online: UK – Cannot be streamed / US – Universo
Everton Preview: Toffees yet not unstuck
Sean Dyche will be a little concerned about his position with the Friedkin Group’s takeover of the club now being confirmed in midweek. The Toffees mustn’t get distracted by the off-field news, though, as they remain firmly involved in the Premier League relegation battle.
However, December has seen them pick up that aforementioned point against Arsenal as well as hammer struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers by four goals to nil at Goodison Park. 28.57% of their goals this season in the league came in that game against Wolves.
Chelsea Preview: Blues on the charge
Former Leicester City boss Enzo Maresca has enjoyed a remarkable start to the campaign in charge of Chelsea as they begin the weekend with the opportunity to go to the top-of-the-table ahead of Liverpool, albeit only potentially for a couple of hours.
The visitors completed a 100% record in their six UEFA Europa Conference League league phase matches with a 5-1 demolition of Shamrock Rovers in midweek. They earned a west London derby day defeat of Brentford by two goals to one at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
Everton Team News: McNeil is a doubt
Sean Dyche has confirmed that former Burnley winger Dwight McNeil has been described as 'touch and go'. They are without several key men for this weekend's clash with Chelsea, though, such as James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam. Albania international Armando Broja is also sidelined for this one against his parent club.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Mangala; Ndiaye, Doucoure, McNeilye; Calvert-Lewin
Unavailable: Garner (Injured), Iroegbunam (Injured), Broja (Ineligible)
Questionable: Chermiti (Fitness), McNeil (Injured)
Chelsea Team News: Neto returns from suspension
Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Belgium international midfielder Romeo Lavia is 'struggling' to be fit for this weekend. Pedro Neto has, though, returned from suspension so is available. They do have some key absentees such as Reece James and Marc Cucurella with Mykhaylo Mudryk also sidelined due to his positive test for doping.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Veiga; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
Unavailable: Fofana (Injured), Badiashile (Injured), James (Injured), Cucurella (Suspended), Mudryk (Disciplinary), Kellyman (Fitness)
Questionable: Lavia (Injured)
Everton vs Chelsea Prediction
Everton will sit back. That is not a major proclamation or prediction. They will seek to soak up pressure from the possession-dominant Chelsea and aim to punish either on the counter or, more likely, from set-pieces. Whilst there may be concerns about Chelsea’s defence and goalkeeper from those situations, the likelihood is Everton even getting set-pieces will be limited so a lower scoring Chelsea victory remains the likeliest outcome for this one on Merseyside.
Everton vs Chelsea Tip: Chelsea to win & under 3.5 goals
