Premier League: Everton Seem Set to Suffer More of the ‘Blues’ in London

Chelsea vs Everton

When you have gone 27 years without a Premier League win at a particular ground, then presumably even a point is a bonus.

And no doubt should Everton claim a draw from their visit to Stamford Bridge on Thursday night they will be pleased.

But what chance really of Rafa Benitez, a former caretaker boss at the Bridge, making it a night to remember for the Toffees.

After all, aside from an FA Cup victory on penalties in 2011, you have to go back to 1994 for the last time Everton won at Chelsea in the top flight.

Talking Points

Not that either side are particularly in form.

It took a last-gasp penalty from Jorginho to see off Leeds and keep the west Londoners in title contention on Saturday afternoon.

That earned them a welcome league victory and some respite at home after successive draws, although manager Thomas Tuchel may be concerned his side have conceded eight goals across their last three games in all competitions, as many as they had let in during their previous 18 matches.

However, it must be noted the Blues have notched up 15 goals in their last five Premier League home games – an average of three per match – and Tuchel’s men are one of only two sides in the division to have hit 20 home goals for the season so far.

They remain without long-term injury victim Ben Chilwell and Mateo Kovacic (Covid), while it remains to be seen if Trevoh Chalobah and N’Golo Kante will be fit enough to play a part.

Romelu Lukaku may start against his former club after easing back to fitness in recent weeks.

While Chelsea were involved in a contest full of Premier League highlights at the weekend, Everton were brought firmly back down to earth at Crystal Palace, six days after the euphoria of their own last-gasp victory.

That was a match which would have resulted in a heavier than the eventual 3-1 loss had goalkeeper Jordan Pickford not come to Everton’s rescue.

They have now lost seven of their last nine Premier League matches – including each of their last four away from home – and continue to head in the wrong direction after slipping to 14th in the table, seven points above 18th-placed Burnley having played a game more.

Despite their struggles, I cannot see them getting sucked into a relegation battle and expect them to soar up the table once they have a full squad.

The Toffees remain without last season’s top scorer, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, along with Tom Davies and Yerry Mina, while Lucas Digne is a doubt amid reports of an internal rift with Benitez.

Equally worryingly, Richarlison had to be taken off in the defeat to Palace after tweaking his calf and has been ruled out for the next few weeks, while midfielder Allan, who has only just returned to action, did not take part after sustaining a minor adductor problem.

On the upside, Everton have already picked up more points from losing positions than any other top flight side this season.

Read into that what you wish as that shows character but also begs the question why they have fallen behind so many times in the first place.

History

Paul Rideout was the matchwinner back in October 1994, the last time the Toffees won a league game on Chelsea turf.

Much has changed since then but, while Chelsea have not lost any of their subsequent meetings in the capital, they have also been frustrated by the Merseysiders on a number of occasions.

Chelsea have won 15 with 11 draws in the last 26 meetings.

Overall, Chelsea have a total of 74 victories compared to 57 Everton wins and 53 draws.

Two years ago in this fixture, Chelsea ran riot with a 4-0 thrashing of the Toffees as Mason Mount, Pedro, Willian and Olivier Giroud were on target.

Last season at Goodison Park, a Gylfi Sigurdsson penalty was enough to separate the sides in Everton’s favour but Chelsea won the corresponding match 2-0, thanks to an own goal and a Jorginho penalty.

Betting Tip

	Chelsea vs Everton	Total Goals 2-3 @ 2.06
	December 17, 03:45 (GMT+8)

If Everton were to end their miserable record at the home of the reigning European champions, it would be quite a shock and that is reflected in the SBOTOP Premier League betting odds.

Given Everton have lost four of their last five at Stamford Bridge and are without a goal on the Blues’ turf in the league since January 2016, it is hard to back against the hosts.

Chelsea are priced 1X2 @ 1.25 with Everton miles away @ 11.50.

Even the draw is on offer at a fairly distant @ 5.40.

Likewise with Asian Handicap odds, Chelsea are available -2.00 @ 2.42 with Everton +1.50 @ 2.09.

Another 2-0 home success will pay out @ 5.20 on Correct Score.

I do expect another home victory with my *** tip being total goal 2-3 @ 2.06.

 

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