Verdict: Jack Grealish over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 17/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
Desperately seeking an essential Premier League boost on Saturday afternoon, Chelsea will welcome Everton to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea
Starting with the hosts, laying down a sensational Champions League marker last month as they stormed their way to a famous 3-0 romp at home against Spanish giants Barcelona, Chelsea had continued to shine on either side of November’s international break. However, despite marking their return from the fortnight interval widely regarded as Arsenal’s main Premier League title rival, Enzo Maresca’s men have come crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion. Suffering a second-half European collapse away at Italian outfit Atalanta earlier in the week as they eventually fell to a 2-1 loss on foreign soil, Chelsea are desperately seeking a much-welcomed boost here. However, getting December underway with a shock 3-1 drumming away at relegation scrappers Leeds, Maresca’s camp have failed to win any of their previous four appearances across all competitions.
Chelsea Team News
Still dealing with a long-term knee injury and yet to make a single appearance across any competition so far this season, Chelsea will once again be without England international Levi Colwill here. However, missing out away in Bergamo earlier in the week, attacking talisman Cole Palmer should return to Maresca’s squad.
Bagging what turned out to be a consolation Champions League strike on Tuesday, summer recruit Joao Pedro will spearhead Chelsea’s charge here. Left as an unused substitute in midweek, 18-year-old sensation Estevao could be handed a full recall.
Everton
As for the visitors, although Everton might have signed off December with a shock 4-1 drumming at home against Newcastle, it appears that was just a minor blip for David Moyes’ men. Last seen putting in a dominant display as they cruised their way to a stellar 3-0 romp at home against Nottingham Forest, the former West Ham boss has seen his squad win four of their previous five Premier League appearances. Marking their return from November’s international break with a stunning 1-0 win away at Manchester United, Everton should be excited by a trip to west London this weekend. In fact, skyrocketing their way into the top-half of the Premier League standings, Moyes’ side are more than capable of causing some major issues at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
Everton Team News
Still dealing with a long-term hamstring injury and yet to feature across any competition so far this season, England international Jarrad Branthwaite remains on the sidelines. However, serving a one-match domestic suspension against Nottingham Forest last week, Tim Iroegbunam will return to Everton’s travelling squad.
Finally opening his Premier League account last week, summer recruit and former Villarreal marksman Thierno Barry will keep his spot leading the line. Making a real impact after arriving on a season-long loan switch from Manchester City over the summer, Jack Grealish should play a leading role in west London.
Chelsea vs Everton Key Factors to Consider
- When Chelsea last welcomed Everton to Stamford Bridge back on April 26th, Maresca’s men collected a 1-0 victory.
- However, Chelsea have failed to win any of their previous four appearances across all competitions (two defeats, two draws).
- Everton have won four of their previous five Premier League appearances.
- Likewise, the Toffees have registered back-to-back Premier League wins on the road for the first time this season.
- None of the last four meetings between Chelsea and Everton have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
While Everton might travel to west London this weekend pencilled in as a real underdog contender, Moyes’ men are more than capable of asking some serious questions here. Watching Chelsea suffer a Champions League collapse away at Atalanta earlier in the week as they eventually fell to a 2-1 loss away at Atalanta, Saturday’s hosts have also failed to win any of their previous four outings across all competitions. Enduring their longest winless rut of the season so far, Everton have continued to receive plenty of plaudits and should be excited by a trip to west London.
Verdict: Jack Grealish over 0.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 17/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
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