Everton vs Chelsea – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The Blues have won just two of their last six league matches. The Toffees have won three of their last six EPL fixtures and nearly took a point off Arsenal last time out.

Everton Form

Everton were on a run of just one win in six matches, but they’ve since won four of their last nine league fixtures and they sit just five points behind Chelsea in the table. A 1-0 win at Aston Villa saw Everton outshot 18-9. A 1-1 home draw against Leeds was followed by a 1-1 draw at Brighton, thanks to scoring a late goal.

David Moyes’ side won 2-1 at Fulham but lost 2-1 at home to Bournemouth after that. A 1-0 home defeat to Man Utd was followed by a 3-2 win at Newcastle and 2-0 home win over Burnley. They lost 2-0 at Arsenal in their last match as they were outshot 25-9. The score sat at 0-0 after 88 minutes.

Everton Team News

Jack Grealish is out for the rest of the season due to injury. Tyrique George is ineligible against his parent club, whilst Carlos Alcaraz will need a late fitness test.

Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski both missed the last match and are doubts for this one. There is little information on whether one or both will be fit to start this match.

Everton Motivation

Everton are still finding their feet at their new stadium. They will play to win this match as they look to qualify for Europe next season.

Moyes’ side will not bother with possession stats. They will try to exploit Chelsea with fast attacks and crosses.

Chelsea Form

Chelsea have won just twice in their last six league matches. Their last nine fixtures have seen just three wins, but two of those victories were against lower league opponents in the FA Cup. A 1-1 home draw vs Burnley saw a last minute goal leaked with ten men. A 2-1 loss followed at Arsenal before smashing Aston Villa 4-1 away in a fine performance.

Chelsea beat Wrexham 4-2 in the FA Cup after extra time before being thrashed 5-2 away by PSG despite allowing just nine shots in the match. A 1-0 home loss to Newcastle saw a toothless display, before being humbled 3-0 at home by PSG in the second leg on Tuesday night.

Chelsea Team News

Centre backs Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah are out injured. Reece James will play no part at right back, but Malo Gusto should return from illness.

Winger Jamie Gittens is out injured. Coach Liam Rosenior must decide whether to recall Wesley Fofana at centre back and who will partner him.

Chelsea Motivation

The Blues need a win as they chase a top five finish and Champions League qualification. A draw would be seen as a poor result.

They will go to Everton and try to control and dominate the game. They may leave themselves vulnerable to counter attacks and set pieces – two major weaknesses.

Key Stats

• Everton have won 4 of their last 9 league matches
• Everton have lost just 1 of their last 8 home EPL matches vs Chelsea (5 wins, 6 clean sheets)
• Chelsea have kept just 3 clean sheets in their last 24 matches (Both Teams Scored in 18/23)
• Chelsea have won just 2 of their last 6 league matches
• Chelsea’s Joao Pedro has scored 8 goals in his last 9 EPL matches

Verdict

This will be a tight affair. Everton have enough to take a point off a struggling Chelsea side at least.

Best Bet: Everton win/draw double chance at 1.70

Value Bet: Draw at 3.45

Goalscorer Tip: Joao Pedro to score anytime at 2.60