Everton vs Chelsea Preview

• Draw or Chelsea win
• Both teams to score

Goodison Park plays host to a high-stakes Premier League encounter as Everton take on Chelsea.

The Toffees are eager to steady their ship under new ownership, while the Blues aim to maintain their blistering form and keep pressure on Liverpool at the top of the table.

Everton: A New Era Underway

Thursday marked a transformative day in Everton’s history as the Friedkin Group officially completed their 99.5% purchase of the club, potentially ushering in a brighter future.

However, in the immediate term, Sean Dyche’s side remains perilously close to the relegation zone, sitting just three points above the bottom three with a game in hand.

Dyche will be under increased scrutiny following the ownership change, and he’ll hope his side can replicate the resilience they showed in holding Arsenal to a 0-0 draw last week.

While wins have been scarce, with just one victory in their last seven league games (D4, L2), Everton have proven hard to beat. A shock win against Chelsea could provide the perfect lift for both fans and players as they adjust to the club’s new direction.

Key Player: Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Calvert-Lewin has a knack for delivering in big games, particularly against Chelsea, with two career goals against the Blues at Goodison Park—both scored in December. As he approaches his 200th start for Everton, his experience and finishing will be crucial.

Chelsea: Red-Hot Form Continues

Chelsea enter this clash in scintillating form, having extended their winning streak to eight games with a commanding 5-1 victory over Shamrock Rovers in European action.

Their 2-1 win over Brentford last weekend highlighted their attacking firepower, and since May, no Premier League side has scored more goals (51), won more games (15), or earned more points (49) than Chelsea.

Despite their dominance, Goodison Park has been a tricky venue for the Blues. Chelsea have lost five of their last six visits to Everton’s fortress (W1), with four of those defeats coming without scoring.

Enzo Maresca will be keen to rewrite that narrative as his side continues their pursuit of Liverpool at the top of the table.

Key Player: Cole Palmer

Palmer has been a revelation this season, boasting a league-leading involvement in 101 attacking attempts (57 shots and 44 chances created). Having netted a hat-trick against Everton in April, he will relish the opportunity to shine again.

Tactical Battle

• Everton’s Approach:
   Sean Dyche’s team will likely adopt a pragmatic, defensive approach, aiming to frustrate Chelsea’s dynamic attack. Calvert-Lewin’s aerial presence and the pace of Demarai Gray on the break could be key weapons in Everton’s counter-attacking strategy.
• Chelsea’s Approach:
   Chelsea will look to dominate possession and press high, with Maresca’s attacking philosophy leveraging the creativity of Palmer and Raheem Sterling. Quick transitions and overlapping runs from Ben Chilwell could exploit Everton’s defensive vulnerabilities.

What’s at Stake?

For Everton, a win would provide a morale-boosting start to the Friedkin Group era, easing relegation fears and showcasing Dyche’s ability to compete with top-tier opposition.

Meanwhile, Chelsea see a victory as essential to maintain their winning momentum and keep pressure on Liverpool in the title race.

Head-to-Head Insights

• Everton have won five of their last six home league games against Chelsea (W5, L1), with four of those victories coming ‘to nil’.
• Chelsea are on an eight-game competitive winning streak, scoring 51 goals across all competitions since May.
• Dominic Calvert-Lewin has scored two career goals against Chelsea, both at Goodison Park in December.

Prediction

Goodison Park has historically been a tough venue for Chelsea, and Everton will draw on the energy of their home crowd and recent ownership changes to deliver a spirited performance.

However, Chelsea’s attacking depth and current form give them a significant edge. Expect a closely fought contest, with the Blues’ firepower ultimately proving decisive.

Prediction: Everton 1-2 Chelsea

This clash represents a critical juncture for both clubs—Everton as they embark on a new chapter and Chelsea as they continue their relentless pursuit of silverware.

Can the Toffees rise to the occasion, or will the Blues extend their winning streak? Football fans are in for a compelling encounter at Goodison Park.

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Everton v Chelsea, 2024/25 | Premier League