Chelsea travel to Goodison Park on Sunday to face an Everton side buoyed by recent positive results and the optimism surrounding a new ownership era. The Blues, however, are in scintillating form and could temporarily climb to the top of the Premier League table with a victory.
1. Match Overview
Key Details
- Date: Sunday, December 22
- Time: 14:00 GMT / 09:00 ET / 06:00 PT
- Location: Goodison Park, Liverpool
- Referee: Chris Kavanagh
- VAR: Graham Scott
H2H Record (Last 5 Matches)
- Everton: 2 Wins
- Chelsea: 2 Wins
- Draws: 1
- Last Meeting: Chelsea 6-0 Everton (April 15, 2024)
2. Recent Form
Everton (Last 5 Matches in All Competitions)
- Arsenal 0-0 Everton (Premier League) – December 14
- Everton 4-0 Wolves (Premier League) – December 4
- Man Utd 4-0 Everton (Premier League) – December 1
- Everton 0-0 Brentford (Premier League) – November 23
- West Ham 0-0 Everton (Premier League) – November 9
Chelsea (Last 5 Matches in All Competitions)
- Chelsea 5-1 Shamrock Rovers (Conference League) – December 19
- Chelsea 2-1 Brentford (Premier League) – December 15
- Astana 1-3 Chelsea (Conference League) – December 12
- Tottenham 3-4 Chelsea (Premier League) – December 8
- Southampton 1-5 Chelsea (Premier League) – December 4
3. Team News
Everton
- Key Doubts: Dwight McNeil is “touch and go” after missing the Arsenal draw due to injury.
- Unavailable: Armando Broja (ineligible), James Garner (muscle injury), Youssef Chermiti, and Tim Iroegbunam (injuries).
- Predicted Formation: 4-4-1-1
Predicted Lineup:
Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Gueye, Mangala, Ndiaye; Doucoure; Calvert-Lewin.
Chelsea
- Key Absences: Marc Cucurella (suspended), Reece James, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Mykhailo Mudryk (suspensions/injuries).
- Unavailable: Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana (injuries).
- Predicted Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Lineup:
Sanchez; Caicedo, Tosin, Colwill, Veiga; Fernandez, Lavia; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.
4. Tactical Analysis
Everton’s Approach
Sean Dyche’s side will likely replicate the blueprint from their goalless draw against Arsenal:
- Compact Defense: Everton will surrender possession, aiming to frustrate Chelsea by blocking passing lanes.
- Counter-Attacks and Set Pieces: Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s physicality will be key in exploiting Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Chelsea’s Strategy
Enzo Maresca’s side is expected to:
- Control Possession: Chelsea’s midfield, led by Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia, will dictate the tempo.
- Exploit Wide Areas: The absence of Cucurella could mean a reshuffle, with Neto and Palmer tasked with creating width.
5. Key Players to Watch
Everton
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin: The target man will be pivotal in holding up play and finishing chances.
- Jordan Pickford: Everton’s goalkeeper must be at his best to keep Chelsea’s attack at bay.
Chelsea
- Cole Palmer: The playmaker has been Chelsea’s creative hub and will look to unlock Everton’s defense.
- Nicolas Jackson: The striker’s movement and finishing could prove decisive in a tight contest.
6. Match Prediction
Why It Could Be a Draw
- Everton’s Defensive Solidity: The Toffees have been resolute at the back, as seen in their recent shutouts against Arsenal and Brentford.
- Chelsea’s Challenges at Goodison Park: The Blues have historically struggled on Merseyside, and Everton’s physicality may disrupt their rhythm.
Prediction:
Everton 1-1 Chelsea
7. FAQs
- What time does the match start?
The match kicks off at 14:00 GMT / 09:00 ET / 06:00 PT. - Where is the match being played?
The game will take place at Goodison Park, Liverpool. - Who are the referees?
Chris Kavanagh will officiate, with Graham Scott on VAR duty. - What’s at stake for Chelsea?
A win could see Chelsea climb to the top of the Premier League table, albeit temporarily. - What’s at stake for Everton?
Everton aim to continue their resurgence and move further away from the relegation zone.
