Unbeaten Everton play host to Chelsea this weekend in the Premier League as both teams sit inside the top six in the table.
Everton remain unbeaten in the Premier League
Somehow, Everton haven’t been defeated in the top flight this season, despite not playing particularly well. Indeed, David Moyes’ side have won just two of their opening six games, with one of those victories coming against newly promoted Ipswich Town.Nevertheless, the Toffees have drawn with Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth, while also securing progress into the last-16 of the EFL Cup.
Are things as rosy as they seem? Or is the fallout from the disastrous transfer window still being felt among the fans in the stands?
Whatever it is, Moyes has managed to get results on the pitch, and in the end, that is what he will be judged for.
Although Everton have netted just eight Premier League goals this season, their defensive record is the joint-best in the division, conceding only five goals. The back four will need to be at the top of their game against Chelsea, especially considering the Stamford Bridge side have scored 15 league goals this season – the third-best record in the Premier League.
If so, then there is no reason why they cannot take something from this match. Last time these two sides met, the Toffees won 3-0. Moyes will be hoping for more of the same on Saturday.
Chelsea bounced back to form last time out
Xabi Alonso hadn’t won in their three previous league games heading into the clash against Bournemouth last weekend. After 90 minutes, all appeared well once again at Stamford Bridge as the Blues sealed an excellent 5-1 win.
Veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson was the man of the moment, scoring twice and chipping in with an assist. He might be 36, but the Englishman still clearly has plenty to offer his club. One thing he needs to do is to help Chelsea stop conceding so many goals. Indeed, the Blues have let in 13 goals across just six league games.
No other team has conceded as many. While Alonso’s charges might look impressive in the final third, unless they drastically improve their defensive numbers, the top-four will be but a pipe dream.
Despite losing the last meeting against Everton, Chelsea have won three of the last five and a win on Merseyside could vault them into the Champions League places, depending on other results.
A win here would allow the club to keep building momentum, that’s for sure.
Team news
Vitaliy Mykolenko was absent for the clash against Hull last week and it remains to be seen whether he makes the starting XI against Chelsea. Aside from that, Moyes has no fresh injury concerns.
Jamie Gittens is ruled out for Chelsea, while Emmanuel Emegha, who has yet to play for the club since arriving, is listed as doubtful. But the big news released today is that captain Reece James will undergo knee surgery and be out until January. That will give Alonso some headaches.
Prediction
This tie is fairly tricky to predict. Everton have the advantage of being at home, plus notching that win over Chelsea a few months ago. Chelsea will be buoyed by that thrashing of Bournemouth last weekend, but they might come unstuck against a resolute home defence.
Considering all of this, I’m backing a score draw this weekend. Everton 2 – 2 Chelsea.
