Everton vs Chelsea tips and predictions: Back-to-back delight for Sean Dyche’s Blues
- George Dempsey
- 8 December 2023
Everton welcome Chelsea to Goodison Park on Sunday as they look to secure three consecutive Premier League wins for the first time since March 2021.
Everton last produced back-to-back wins in October of last year when Dwight McNeil’s second-half winner downed Southampton at St Mary’s.
The ex-Burnley man has been decisive in the past seven days, scoring the winner against Nottingham Forest last weekend and breaking Newcastle’s resolve on Thursday.
A trio of Everton wins are as rare as hen's teeth at this point. You have to go back to 2021 to find the last example of three on the spin or indeed four wins in six.
Chelsea have been the butt of many a joke over the past 18 months as the Blues have struggled their way to just five wins in 26 on their travels.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side look to be made of stronger stuff and they’ve recently remembered where the goal is. They’ve rattled in 13 goals in five games.
Despite that, the fact is they’ve failed to win 66% of their Premier League matches and two of their five wins have come against relegation-threatened sides.
Everton’s improving form is no fluke as the Toffees are outperforming the vast majority of teams in several categories that highlight their work rate and quality of press.
There’s been little to separate the teams in recent seasons with the last three meetings on this ground finishing 1-0 either way and Everton claiming a point from their last two visits to Stamford Bridge.
We’ve seen enough from their performances against Man Utd and Newcastle to suggest they’ll be able to get after Chelsea successfully and find the back of the net at least once.
Team news
Dele Alli is the only confirmed absentee for Everton who will hope to welcome back a host of injured players.
Jordan Pickford should be fit while Amadou Onana, James Garden and Seamus Coleman face late fitness tests but it may be too soon for Andre Gomes.
Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell, Trevoh Chalobah, Lesley Ugochukwu and Carney Chukwuemeka are ruled out.
Romeo Lavia, Malo Gusto, Noni Madueke and Christopher Nkunku are nearing a return while Conor Gallagher returns from suspension.
Key stats
- Everton’s last eight home wins, and 12 of their last 13, have been to nil
- Chelsea have won five of 26 away from home in all competitions
- The last three meetings between the sides at Goodison Park have finished 1-0
- 18 goals in Chelsea’s last four away games is the highest sequence since 2020
