England Premier League
Saturday 18th March 2023
Kick off at 3pm GMT
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Match Preview:
Is Chelsea’s season finally turning around or is this a blip of good fortune? In the last few weeks the Blues have qualified for the Champions League quarter finals after knocking out Borussia Dortmund where they will play the champions Real Madrid. This was followed up by a 3-1 win away to Leicester and if they were to win here the pressure would really be eased on manager Graham Potter as the consistency would start to begin.
However back to reality and 10th place as we head into April is simply not good enough for this Chelsea side. They won’t finish in the top four, and although that isn’t confirmed they are 11 points behind that objective and have too many teams in front of them, so the best they can hope for is the Europa League next season, of course if they surprise everyone and win the Champions League then they would qualify that way. Current form has seen the club muster 7 points from their last 15 and they have won 50% of their games at home with their last victory here coming against Leeds.
Everton have climbed to 15th place and have 25 points but they are just a point from dropping back into the bottom three and whilst new manager Sean Dyche has seen his side earn 10 points since he took over at the end of January consistency is lacking from the Toffees. Everton have earned seven points from their last 15 on offer however it is one win from their last four games, but that did occur in their last game as they beat Brentford 1-0 at home.
Everton have gone two games unbeaten and they could really stretch their wings with victory here though you get the feeling a draw away to Chelsea would be acceptable. The problem is away form which has dogged the club not just this season but for years. Everton have won just 8 points from a possible 39 this season on the road and with just one win so far but they have only scored 8 goals and shipped 22 away, can they turn that around before the end of the season or will they have to rely on home form to stay up again?
Team News:
Chelsea: Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang has a slight back problem and is a doubt to be fit for this game he may be assessed. Wesley Fofana will be assessed after a knock as will Reece James with illness. N’ Golo Kante could return after a lengthy lay off. Cesar Azpilicueta remains out with a head injury. Mason Mount has a muscle injury and is ruled out for the next two weeks at least. Raheem Sterling is out for two weeks with his hamstring. Thiago Silva is missing for at least another four weeks due to his knee injury.
Everton: Dominic Calvert-Lewin was pencilled in to return for this game but reports suggest that the forward has had a set back and is likely to miss out with fitness issues being the main problem. Nathan Patterson could return and will be assessed. Andros Townsend remains sidelined with fitness issues.
Chelsea vs Everton Head to Head:
Last season this fixture ended 1-1.
Earlier in the season in the reverse fixture Chelsea won 1-0.
The last 5 meetings in a row has seen under 2.5 goals.
Everton have not at Chelsea in the league since 1994.
Chelsea vs Everton Prediction:
Despite their injuries Chelsea have strength in depth and most clubs could not have handled such key injuries, the Blues can and still have at least on paper a superior side to the visitors. Chelsea have been underwhelming this season but recent form has picked up well and they are facing a side that not only travel poorly but have, quite frankly, an awful record over them when playing away. As mentioned in the h2h it has been 29 years since Everton last won here in the league, records are their to be broken, but by this current Everton side that is doubtful.
However Everton can be a physical side and that will not suit Chelsea, if Everton can show the passion they have shown at home in some of their recent games they can make this a very tough game for the Blues to compete in as they have a star studded side that is trying to find their way still. Quite a few results here have been close and have been draws and the value bet could be backing Everton on the +1 asian handicap which would cover the loss by a one goal margin on the refund, but this does look like being a tough game for Sean Dyche’s side.
Chelsea vs Everton Betting Tips:
Asian handicap (+1 Everton) at 1.97
Half Time Correct Score: 0-0 or 1-0 to Chelsea at 2.75 and 3.25
Under 2.5 goals at 1.72
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