Everton vs Chelsea Preview: Team News, Predicted Lineups and Score Prediction
Second-placed Chelsea travel to Goodison Park to face an Everton side battling near the foot of the Premier League table on Sunday, December 22nd at 14:00 GMT.
Everton vs Chelsea Form
Everton currently sit in 16th position in the league, and their recent form has been patchy having failed to score in five of their last six Premier League matches. However, they have demonstrated defensive solidity at home, keeping clean sheets in five of their last seven home games against Chelsea in all competitions, and have won five of the last six home matches against the Blues.
Chelsea, on the other hand, are flying high in second place and have won their last five league games, scoring at least two goals in each of those matches. Their recent outings have been high scoring affairs with over 2.5 goals in each of their last five league outings. In the last six meetings between the two sides, both teams have won twice and there have been two draws.
Everton vs Chelsea Predicted Lineups and Team News
Everton XI (4-4-1-1): J. Pickford; V. Mykolenko, J. Branthwaite, J. Tarkowski, A. Young; I. Ndiaye, O. Mangala, I. Gueye, J. Harrison; A. Doucouré; D. Calvert-Lewin.
Everton are without several key players due to injury, with McNeil, Iroegbunam and Garner all sidelined. Chermiti is doubtful, while Broja is ineligible to face his parent club.
Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): R. Sánchez; M. Gusto, L. Colwill, T. Adarabioyo, M. Caicedo; E. Fernández, R. Lavia; J. Sancho, C. Palmer, N. Madueke; N. Jackson.
Chelsea have several defensive absentees through injury with Badiashile, James and Fofana all ruled out. Lavia is a doubt, but is expected to be available. Cucurella is suspended, and Mudryk is unavailable due to a provisional suspension.
Everton vs Chelsea Tactical Analysis
Everton's style of play is characterised by long balls, crosses, and an emphasis on attacking down the right. They are a non-aggressive team, and they win a lot of aerial duels. However, they struggle to keep possession, finish scoring chances, and defend against skilful players.
Chelsea, in contrast, play a short passing, possession-based game, focusing on attacking through the middle and attempting through balls. They are an aggressive side, and are strong in finishing scoring chances, counter attacks, and creating chances through individual skill, although they are weak in aerial duels and stopping opponents creating chances. Chelsea's attacking prowess and ability to make comebacks could be a problem for Everton, and the home side's tendency to stray offside will likely be exploited by the visitors.
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Everton vs Chelsea Key Battle: Abdoulaye Doucouré vs Cole Palmer
A key battle in this match will be between Everton's attacking midfielder, Abdoulaye Doucouré, and Chelsea's creative force, Cole Palmer. Doucouré's ability to find space and create opportunities for the Toffees will be crucial, while Palmer's individual skill and vision could unlock the Everton defence. Their individual performances will likely have a significant impact on the flow of the match.
Everton vs Chelsea Score Prediction
Chelsea are in excellent form, and their attacking strength and ability to dominate possession should see them overcome a struggling Everton side. While Everton have a good recent record against Chelsea at home, their current struggles in front of goal and defensive vulnerabilities are likely to be exposed by the in-form Blues. The predicted score is a 2-1 victory for Chelsea.
