Preview and Prediction
The Toffees’ impressive campaign earlier this season has turned the opposite after the Merseyside derby. Only one win in the last six games, with four defeats in the remaining five surely is not something they expect after capturing the world class playmaker as James Rodriguez. Now, they are back in the midtable, precisely on the ninth with seventeenth points. This weekend they will have to take on Chelsea which sits on the third collecting five points more than themselves.
The teams’ previous games
Everton was still unable to win after their last victory in Craven Cottage. Last weekend, they could only muster a 1-1 draw against Burnley. Robbie Brady gave The Clarets the lead but the Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored an equaliser.
The Blues also shared spoils in the last game of UCL group stage in the midweek after being held in 1-1 draw as well while hosting Krasnodar. Remy Cabella opened the score sheet before Jorginho’s penalty equalised. Chelsea finished on the top of the table.
Possible tactic
Carlo Ancellotti seems to be searching for his new gameplan. His 3-4-3 formation seems to be in need of tweaking a bit, probably to 3-4-1-2. James Rodriguez could feature as the number-ten role behind Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison. In the midfield, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Allan are still the best options accompanied by Tom Davies or Mason Holgate and Alex Iwobi on both flanks. The only Ancellotti’s concern is the absence of Lucas Digne, Fabian Delph and Seamus Coleman as the first two are the only ones available operating the left flank. Alex Iwobi is the only name possible for taking over that post. Yet, his defending skill is still worrying.
Meanwhile, Frank Lampard is more settled with 4-3-3 formation. He will be deploying Tammy Abraham, Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic upfront, supported by Mason Mount, NGolo Kante and Jorginho in the midfield area. The only names ruled out for this fixture are Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Players to watch
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is definitely the key figure of Everton this season. He is not only the leading scorer of his team but also in the Premier League with eleven goals so far. The other notable names in the squad are his South American fellows, Richarlison and James Rodriguez who have provided three assists each.
In Chelsea, the goals in EPL seem to be divided almost equally to the entire players in the starting IX. Timo Werner and Kurt Zouma has bagged four goals each followed by Tammy Abraham and Jorginho registering three goals each.
Everton vs Chelsea Prediction
Frank Lampard’s men’s positive trend is still likely to endure with seventeen unbeaten run in all competitions. On the other hand, Richarlison and Co might still be struggling to return to their winning ways here. Relying too much on Carlvert-Lewin as a main scorer certainly exposes their own attacking frailty. Overall, a narrow win for the visitors is more possible.
Betting odds
According to the punters, the Blues’ odds to win are at 16/19, whereas Ancelotti’s men’s are only backed to win at 18/5. The odds for a draw result are at 31/10.
