Premier League Preview: Everton vs Chelsea

Written By Jacobs Dunga

Frank Lampard will on Sunday lead his Everton side out against Familiar opponents as they battle to beat the drop. Everton find themselves at the risk of going down for the first time in seventy years, they could possibly still escape relegation should they take advantage of their stiff fixture list starting with the visit of Chelsea on Saturday.

Frank Lampard could be needing a favour from his former employers, the 43-year old had a thirteen year playing career with the Blues while he was in the dugout as a manager for another eighteen months. His affinity with the West London club may not have anything to do in this fixture but the three time Premier League winner will definitely be out for all against his former side after the disappointing loss to Liverpool the last time out despite putting up a strong performance.

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Chelsea are third on the log with a six point advantage over fourth placed Arsenal, the Thomas Tuchel side may be comfortably sitting in a Champions League spot but the Gunners are definitely not very far away. The news of Todd Boehly winning the race to become the new owner of Chelsea, reportedly purchased for the sum of £3.5 billion could be a motivating factor for the players who have played the last couple of months without a definitive future.

Chelsea are definitely already doing a review of their season as the only significant game they have left comes next month against Liverpool in the FA Cup final slated for Wembley. They drew 1-1 against a poor Manchester United on Thursday after wasting a host of chances against the Red Devils and should they not improve on that performance from the week, a desired result might be far from it as Everton will afford them little space.

TEAM NEWS

Donny Ban De Beek and Andre Gomes are out of the tie which is a big blow for Lampard in this latter stage of the season.

Ben Chilwell and Callum Hudson Odoi are still out to long term injuries and will not be seen anywhere close to the stadium.

Ben Godfrey, Tom Davies and Andros Townsend are also out of contention for the tie.

Mateo Kovacic will not be available for selection while Ross Barkley and Andreas Christensen are expected back after missing the United game.

STYLE

Frank Lampard is a lover of the 4-3-3 formation and sets up his team in an attacking manner but that has actually not really reflected in their games as the Toffees more often than not struggle to create anything upfront which is one of the major reasons they’re in this relegation battle.

The 3-4-1-2 has been Thomas Tuchel’s preferred team shape, it gives them the liberty to have two ball winning midfielders protecting the more skillful attacking midfielder who plays in the whole behind the two strikers. It is a system that has effectively worked for the Blues under the German manager.

FORM

The Toffees have just four pints from the last eighteen which amounts to one win and a draw from the last five games. The long time Premier League Campaigners will have to improve on their form especially away from home as they’re the worst in the league in that regard, they have however picked up seven points from the last nine at home.

Chelsea seem to have slowed down in their approach to games in the league which is understandable considering they have a waiting final against Liverpool in the FA Cup with the fitness of their players very paramount. They’ve won just one of the last three Premier League fixtures including a disgraceful 2-4 loss at home to Arsenal two weeks ago.

HEAD TO HEAD

Everton have won the last three home fixtures against Chelsea in the Premier League.

Chelsea are the leaders in this fixture with 27 wins to Everton’s 12 while twenty games have ended in draws.

The last time Everton hosted Chelsea while in the relegation zone was back in 2019 with the Toffees running out 3-1 winners.

Chelsea are the second best away side in the league this season after Manchester City and could cause the home side problems should they bring their A game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Richarlison has been back among the goals for Everton and will be heavily relied upon to break through the dogged Chelsea defence.

Kai Havertz will be looking to do better in this fixture after missing a host of chances that could have given them victory against Manchester United.

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Alexander Iwobi has occasionally been brilliant for Frank Lampard’s side and will want to prove a point against the Blues.

Timo Werner has scored four goals in his last six games in all competitions with the striker back to his best in the last few weeks.

VERDICT

With Everton needing all three points in the fight for survival and Chelsea having more than secured a place in next season’s Champions League, Everton are looking likely to nick this one at their visitor’s expense.

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