Our tipster’s backing the away side to nab the full three points.
Everton are yet to win successive Premier League games at their brand new home, but after snapping a painful three-month winless run at the Hill Dickinson Stadium earlier this month, they’ll have an instant riposte in their sights. There was a lot more to the scoreline when they went down 2-0 at Arsenal last weekend, and there’ll be some positives to take from a staunch 88-minute stand at the home of the runaway leaders.
The Merseysiders would go within just two points of their sixth-placed opponents if they emerge victorious here, but Chelsea won’t be in an accommodating mood. They’re a wounded side after being sent packing 8-2 on aggregate against PSG in the Champions League, with fourth place still very much in their grasp.
As Sky’s cameras descend on the Mersey’s royal blue banks once again, Andrew Beasley has five selections for Everton v Chelsea.
Everton v Chelsea Bet Builder tips
Chelsea to win
Over 2.5 goals
Joao Pedro anytime goalscorer
Chelsea corner handicap (-1)
Over 4.5 cards
A Bet Builder with these selections pays approximately 22/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
WHEN: Saturday, March 21st, 5.30pm
WHERE: Hill-Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool
TV: Sky Sports Premier League/Main Event
Chelsea to win
Neither side is in especially good form, with both losing in the league last weekend. Everton have taken just six points from their previous five matches. That doesn’t sound great, but it’s one more than Chelsea have picked up in the same period.
Where Liam Rosenior’s side has an advantage is that they have been better on the road this season, taking 25 of their 48 points in away games. The same is true for Everton (24-19), with their new home yet to become the fortress they hope it will become.
While they’ll be saving their first victory over a big team at the Hill Dickenson for the visit of Liverpool, the Toffees have lost at home to Arsenal, Manchester United, and Tottenham. Their goalless draw with Aston Villa is the only point they’ve taken from a home game against a team that starts the weekend in the top half of the table. Chelsea have the head-to-head advantage and the away form to ensure they win this match.
Over 2.5 goals
Everton prop up the rest of the Premier League in terms of matches featuring at least three goals this season. None of their final five clashes with Chelsea at Goodison Park featured more than two goals, and the same was true of the previous three meetings at any venue. Rosenior is here to bring the party though. The party, heavy LinkedIn vibes, respecting the ball – he’s got it all. Chelsea have played four away league matches under their current boss, averaging four goals per game and scoring at least three in each.
They’ve also had a 3-2 win in Italy, a 5-2 loss in Paris, and a 2-2 draw (in normal time) in Wales. Only their Carabao clash with the tedious meat wall of Arsenal saw fewer than three goals on the road, so take Over 2.5 Goals here.
Joao Pedro anytime goalscorer
Cole Palmer has scored five of Chelsea’s previous nine goals against Everton. As the other four were bagged by Alfie Gilchrist, Malo Gusto, and Nicolas Jackson, he’s undoubtedly their form horse in this head-to-head. But he’s not in great form generally. He’s scored just two non-penalty goals in his previous 10 appearances.
Joao Pedro is the only logical choice for a scorer bet. The Brazilian has netted 11 times in the Rosenior era, when no other Chelsea player has more than four (without penalties). Back Pedro to be an Anytime Goalscorer.
Chelsea corner handicap (-1)
These teams usually produce corners galore when they face each other. Seven of the previous eight meetings hit double figures with an average of 11.9 per game. The exception was the previous Merseyside meeting, which only saw seven. As only four teams in the division have had fewer corners than Everton, the visitors should dominate the corner count.
They’ve had at least two more than their opponents 14 times this season, the joint-third most in the Premier League. They only need to win by two to make the Corner Handicap, so back Chelsea in that market.
Over 4.5 cards
The last two games between these blue rivals saw a single yellow card in total. However, they were both at Stamford Bridge, with clashes in the north-west usually much fiercer. The last five saw 27 yellow cards, with at least five bookings in each.
Match referee Sam Barrott flashed seven yellows on his Hill Dickinson debut, then four (plus awarded a penalty) when Arsenal were in town. And if all else fails, Chelsea will probably have a man sent off. Round off your Bet Builder with Over 4.5 Cards.
Everton v Chelsea Bet Builder tips
Chelsea to win
Over 2.5 goals
Joao Pedro anytime goalscorer
Chelsea corner handicap (-1)
Over 4.5 cards
A Bet Builder with these selections pays approximately 22/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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