Everton vs Chelsea match preview and Prediction,
Chelsea and Everton will be aiming to kickstart the 2022/23 Premier League season on a winning note when they lock horns at Goodison Park this weekend.
After two months of wait, the Premier League is back in action as the 2022/23 season got underway on Friday night, with Arsenal taking on Crystal Palace at Goodison Park. Over the weekend, some tasty fixtures are coming our way, one of which will take place at Goodison Park on Saturday evening with Everton playing hosts to Chelsea.
Everton just about survived the wrath of relegation last season, finishing in 16th place, four points clear of the drop zone. Manager Frank Lampard, who took over Rafael Benitez midway through the campaign, has now had enough time to imprint his ideas on the squad and fans will be expecting the team to perform well than they did last time out.
The pre-season preparations have not been ideal by any means for the Toffees as they lost their first two fixtures against Arsenal and MLS side Minnesota United. But back-to-back victories against Blackpool and Dynamo Kyiv should give Lampard and his team some confidence heading into this vital opening clash.
0:19 / 1:00
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As for Chelsea, the summer has largely been dominated by their hit-and-miss transfer window. The Blues have been left frustrated by their inability to close deals, leading to several targets slipping out of their hands. But they have managed to sign a few players in recent days, which could ease some tension within the camp.
While Chelsea finished third last term, they were nearly 20 points behind the top two clubs and will be gunning to close down that gap. Much like Everton, though, Thomas Tuchel’s men have not been at their best in pre-season, losing to Charlotte FC and Arsenal, although they did their last pre-season friendly against Udinese.
Both teams will be keen on kicking the new season off with a victory, while Lampard will also be gunning to prove a point to his former employers. Ahead of this exciting match-up at Goodison Park, The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at both teams.
Everton will have to make do without star forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is sidelined for more than a month after picking up a knee injury in training. Captain Seamus Coleman also misses out for the home team, along with Andros Townsend, Andre Gomes, Tom Davies and Salomon Rondon, with the latter suspended.
Yerry Mina and Asmir Begovic are available for selection after having recovered from their fitness problems. New signings James Tarkowski, Ruben Vinagre and Dwight McNeil are all fit and available for the game against Chelsea. Manager Frank Lampard could opt to field a three-man defensive line mirroring Chelsea’s setup while adding extra security at the back.
Everton will have to make do without star forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is sidelined for more than a month after picking up a knee injury in training. Captain Seamus Coleman also misses out for the home team, along with Andros Townsend, Andre Gomes, Tom Davies and Salomon Rondon, with the latter suspended.
Yerry Mina and Asmir Begovic are available for selection after having recovered from their fitness problems. New signings James Tarkowski, Ruben Vinagre and Dwight McNeil are all fit and available for the game against Chelsea. Manager Frank Lampard could opt to field a three-man defensive line mirroring Chelsea’s setup while adding extra security at the back.
Everton possible Lineup (3-4-3):
Pickford; Godfrey, Tarkowski, Keane; Patterson, Doucoure, Iwobi, Mykolenko; Gordon, Gray, McNeil
Chelsea are sweating over the fitness of forwards Timo Werner and Armando Broja. Apart from that, there are no major injury concerns for Thomas Tuchel to contend with. However, the game will come too soon for new signings Carney Chukwuemeka and Marc Cucurella, with the latter completing a transfer only on Friday. Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly, however, should be in line for their full debuts.
Mason Mount will be a crucial player for Chelsea with his ability to score and create goals. He will likely be partnered by new signing Raheem Sterling in the two wide attacking midfield positions, with Kai Havertz expected to operate as the No. 9.
Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Mendy; Azpilicueta, Silva, Koulibaly; James, Kante, Kovacic, Chilwell; Mount, Sterling; Havertz
Key facts to watch:
Everton have won each of their previous four Premier League home games against Chelsea. It is their best run in this league fixture since winning seven on the bounce between 1923 and 1935.
Chelsea have won only three of their last 14 Premier League visits to Goodison Park (D2, L9).
Everton are unbeaten in their opening Premier League match in the last 10 seasons (W4, D6), the longest ongoing run in the top flight.
Chelsea conceded 11 Premier League away goals last season, a joint-league low alongside Manchester City.
Value Bet: Chelsea win or draw & over 1.5 goal
Possible correct scores:
Everton 1-2 Chelsea
Everton 1-1Chelsea
Everton 0-1 Chelsea