Premier League action continues as Everton hosts Chelsea at Goodison Park on Sunday, December 22nd, 2024, at 8:00 PM (GMT). Sean Dyche’s Everton will aim to use their home advantage to secure valuable points as they fight to climb the league table. Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea will look to capitalize on their attacking firepower and maintain their position in the upper half of the standings.
Everton vs Chelsea Form Guide
Everton
Everton, under Sean Dyche, has been a mixed bag this season. While their strengths include aerial duels and shooting from direct free kicks, their struggles in keeping possession and defending against skillful players have been evident. Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucouré will need to step up if the Toffees hope to outsmart Chelsea’s defense.
Chelsea
Chelsea, under Mauricio Pochettino, has displayed strong form, excelling in creating scoring chances and counter-attacks. With Cole Palmer leading their goal-scoring charts and Nicolas Jackson contributing significantly with goals and assists, the Blues have been a potent attacking force. However, weaknesses in aerial duels and preventing opponents from creating chances could be exploited by Everton.
Everton vs Chelsea Key Battles
Dominic Calvert-Lewin vs Chelsea Defense
Calvert-Lewin’s aerial prowess and physicality will test Chelsea’s center-backs, particularly Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo. If Calvert-Lewin can win duels in the box, Everton might create scoring opportunities.
Ashley Young vs Nicolas Jackson
Veteran Ashley Young will play a key role in neutralizing Chelsea’s attack down the flank. However, Nicolas Jackson’s pace and movement will require Young to be at his sharpest to prevent Chelsea from exploiting wide areas.
Everton vs Chelsea Tactical Outlook
Everton will likely rely on long balls, crosses, and set pieces to create chances. Dyche may encourage his players to exploit Chelsea’s weakness in aerial duels, with Calvert-Lewin as the target man. Defensive discipline and counter-attacking opportunities could also play a significant role.
Chelsea will aim to dominate possession and utilize short passes to unlock Everton’s defense. Pochettino’s side is expected to attack through the middle and capitalize on Everton’s struggles to maintain possession. Their aggressive pressing and fluid movement could overwhelm the Toffees.
Head-to-Head Encounters
Everton and Chelsea have faced each other frequently, with Chelsea holding the edge historically. Out of their last 33 matches, Chelsea has 15 wins, Everton has 10, and 8 have ended in draws. Chelsea enters this fixture as favorites, but Everton’s resilience at home could make for a closely contested match.
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Injury News and Suspensions
Everton
Everton are facing a tough spell with several key players sidelined. Dwight McNeil remains doubtful due to a knee injury, while James Garner, Tim Iroegbunam, and Youssef Chermiti are all expected to be unavailable until late December, grappling with muscle, leg, and foot injuries, respectively. These absences leave manager Sean Dyche with limited options as the team aims to stabilize their form during the crucial festive period.
Chelsea
Chelsea are contending with both injuries and a suspension as they look to maintain their competitive edge. Marc Cucurella is suspended, while Benoît Badiashile will be out until early January with a muscle injury. Reece James has returned to training following a hamstring injury, offering a glimmer of hope for the squad. However, Romeo Lavia remains doubtful with a similar issue, and Wesley Fofana’s hamstring injury keeps him out until mid-January. These setbacks could test Chelsea’s defensive resilience in the coming fixtures.
Everton vs Chelsea Possible Playing Squads
Everton
Jordan Pickford (GK), Vitalii Mykolenko, Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski, Ashley Young, Ndiaye, Mangala, Idrissa Gueye, Jack Harrison, Abdoulaye Doucouré, Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Chelsea
Robert Sánchez (GK), Malo Gusto, Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Romeo Lavia, Jadon Sancho, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson.
Match Details at a Glance
| Match | Date | Time | Format | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everton vs Chelsea | Sunday, December 22, 2024 | 8:00 PM (GMT) | Premier League | Goodison Park, Liverpool, England |
Match Prediction
Everton will likely depend on set pieces and aerial battles to trouble Chelsea, while Chelsea’s dynamic attack could pose challenges for the Toffees’ defense. With both teams capable of creating chances but also showing vulnerabilities, a draw seems to be the most probable outcome.
Score Prediction
Everton and Chelsea are likely to battle out a closely contested match, with both teams struggling to find a decisive edge. Everton’s home advantage and Chelsea’s solid defense could cancel each other out. Final prediction: Everton 1-3 Chelsea in a balanced affair.