As the Premier League enters matchday 17, Everton FC welcomes Chelsea to Goodison Park on Sunday. Everton is currently in 15th place and will aim to defy expectations against a Chelsea side firmly in second. Under Maresca, Chelsea have emerged as title contenders, fueled by an impressive eight-match unbeaten run.
In contrast, Everton have managed just one win in their last five league outings. This clash sets up an exciting battle between two sides experiencing vastly different seasons.
Everton-Chelsea Head-to-Head Analysis
| General Details | Everton Lineup (Predicted) | Chelsea Lineup (Predicted) |
|---|---|---|
| Date: 22/12/2024 Time: 15:00 Stadium: Goodison Park Where to watch: SuperSport 204 | Jordan Pickford Ashley Young James Tarkowski Jarrad Branthwaite Vitaliy Mykolenko Amadou Onana Idrissa Gueye Abdoulaye Doucouré Jack Harrison Dominic Calvert-Lewin Iliman Diaye | Robert Sanchez. Malo Gusto, Axel Disasi, Levi Colwill, Renato Veiga. Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer. Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho |
Historic Performances
Before we start, let’s quickly review their recent meetings so we can decide what form their Sunday clash could take.
Recent Encounters
The last five meetings between Everton and Chelsea across all competitions paint a balanced picture. Both sides have secured two wins, with one match ending in a draw. Despite Chelsea’s current dominance in the league, Everton have proven they can challenge the London club.
However, their most recent clash saw Chelsea claim a 6-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. While this result may not directly reflect the upcoming fixture, it underscores the significant gap in quality that can emerge when Chelsea are at their best.
Key Factors Influencing the Match
After noting the outcome of their previous encounters, let’s review their current form of this campaign and standout players. This could assist us in making informed decisions about the weekend game.
Previous Match
Everton’s season has been marked by inconsistency, earning just 15 points from 15 games. They remain dangerously close to the relegation zone with three wins, six draws, and six defeats. Recent form shows modest improvement, with one win, three draws, and one loss in their last five matches, including a goalless draw at Arsenal.
Despite this resilience, their -7 goal difference (14 scored, 21 conceded) highlights ongoing struggles at both ends. Everton’s record of 2 wins, three draws, and two defeats at home reflects their lack of dominance at Goodison Park. Sean Dyche’s pragmatic approach, prioritizing defensive structure and counter-attacks, will be vital against Chelsea.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have been in outstanding form, sitting second with 31 points. Their record of 9 wins, four draws, and two losses underlines their title credentials. With 35 goals scored and 18 conceded, they possess a potent attack and a solid defense.
They are on a nine-match unbeaten run across all competitions, with eight victories and two draws. The Blues will host Shamrock Rovers midweek for their UEFA Conference League before the meeting with the Toffees. Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s flexible, possession-based style has made them formidable.
Players
Dwight McNeil will be Everton’s key player in this match. He has scored four goals and provided three assists in 15 appearances this season. McNeil, known for his precise crosses and long-range shooting, adds a significant threat to Everton’s attack.
An extended break has given manager Dyche more time to recover injured players. Michael Keane is likely to return from a knee injury. However, James Garner (back), Tim Iroegbunam (ankle), and Chermiti are expected to miss the game.
Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has been in sensational form this season. This includes a recent man-of-the-match performance against Tottenham. Palmer scored two penalties and set up another for Enzo Fernandez, showcasing his dribbling and composure. Palmer is a contender for the Golden Boot with eleven goals and six assists this season.
However, Mykhaylo Mudryk is suspended due to a positive doping test, while Reece James and Wesley Fofana are sidelined with hamstring injuries.
Home Advantage
At Goodison Park, Everton recorded two wins, three draws, and two losses, indicating that their home form was not as strong as it once was. On the other hand, Chelsea has been dominant on the road, with six wins, one draw, and only one loss.
Despite a mixed record at Goodison, with just one win in their last seven visits, Chelsea’s current form and momentum make them favorites to secure another away victory. This would intensify the pressure on league leaders Liverpool.
Betting Tips
After gauging the recent performance of both teams, check out our betting tips for Nigerian Bettors ahead of the Everton vs. Chelsea game:
Betting Odds
Here below shows how bookies price their chances to win, draw, or lose:
Everton to Win – 5.25 | Draw – 3.80 | Chelsea to Win – 1.62
Bookmakers see Everton as a heavy underdog to win the resurgent Chelsea, which is the strong favorite in this fixture. There’s almost a 27% chance for the match to be drawn. However, we expect Chelsea to claim all three points due to their brilliant unbeaten streak and title ambitions.
Final Thoughts on the Match
Although Everton’s recent displays hint at their potential to spring a surprise, Chelsea’s superior form and quality position them as clear favorites. The Blues’ strong away record and attacking firepower will likely overwhelm Everton’s defense in this clash and earn them victory.
Samuel Okunsolawo is an iGaming expert with over six years of experience in content writing. His passion for simplifying complex concepts makes his articles accessible and useful for beginners and experts alike. With a focus on sports betting trends and reliable betting sites, Samuel’s articles are an excellent resource for those seeking guidance and staying up to date in the world of iGaming.