Prediction: Chelsea vs Everton

Verdict: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet

Facing what is a real must-win showdown on Monday night, Chelsea will welcome Everton to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea

Starting with the hosts, while some in Chelsea’s camp are still dreaming of the chance to clinch a crucial European return this season, Mauricio Pochettino’s men have continued to struggle with their consistency. Missing out on what they billed as a golden opportunity last week as they eventually had to settle for a 2-2 stalemate away at leading relegation scrappers Sheffield United, the former Tottenham boss has found plenty of scrutiny over his future at Stamford Bridge. Although the Blues might be unbeaten in all of their previous seven appearances across all competitions, Monday’s hosts have continued to show some glaring defensive issues. In fact, along with failing to record a single Premier League clean sheet since back on January 13th, Pochettino’s side have also conceded a pair of goals in all of their last seven outings on the bounce.

Team News

All still dealing with respective injury issues, Chelsea will once again be unable to call upon the likes of Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku and England international Recce James. Likewise, former Brighton loanee Levi Colwill remains on the sidelines with an ankle issue.

Notching 16 Premier League goals since completing a move from Manchester City last summer, the red-hot Cole Palmer will play a leading role on Monday night. Getting on the scoresheet away at Sheffield United last week and making a first appearance since February 12th, Brazilian veteran Thiago Silva should keep his spot at the heart of Chelsea’s defence.

Everton

As for the visitors, hit with a further two-point deduction last week, Everton find themselves at the heart of another public Premier League struggle. Despite claiming what was a crucial 1-0 victory against fellow relegation scrappers Burnley last time out, Sean Dyche’s men have come under a huge amount of pressure this season. Opening this weekend’s fixtures holding just a two-point buffer from slipping into the drop zone, the former Burnley boss has seen his squad muster just a single victory from any of their previous 14 top-flight appearances. With that extended flurry stemming all the way back to December 16th, Everton have also gained a reputation for their extended issues on the road. Marking their return from March’s international break with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Bournemouth, Dyche’s men have failed to collect a single victory away from Goodison Park since opening the New Year.

Team News

Still dealing with a long-term ankle injury and not making a single appearance since the end of January, Everton will travel to Stamford Bridge without Villarreal loanee Arnaut Danjuma. Likewise, 21-year-old staled Lewis Dobbin also remains on the sidelines and will not feature here.

Bagging what could turn out to be a season-defining winner against Burnley last week and finding the net in consecutive Premier League appearances, Dominic Calvert-Lewin will spearhead Dyche’s charge in the capital. Veteran defender Seamus Coleman should keep his spot at right-back.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Chelsea and Everton met for their reverse Premier League showdown on December 10th, the Toffees collected a 2-0 victory at Goodison Park.
• Despite collecting a 1-0 win against Burnley last week, Everton have failed to win any of their other 13 Premier League appearances.
• Chelsea have conceded a pair of goals in all of their last seven outings across all competitions.
• Everton have failed to win any of their previous nine straight showdowns away from Goodison Park.
• England international Cole Palmer has bagged 16 Premier League goals so far this season.

Conclusion

Forced to settle for a downbeat 2-2 stalemate away at Sheffield United last week, Chelsea will certainly have plenty of pressure on their shoulders here. Continuing to show a string of defensive issues, Monday’s hosts face what is rightfully billed as a real must-win showdown in west London. Although Everton might have secured a 2-0 victory when they welcomed Chelsea to Goodison Park for their reverse meeting on December 10th, we are backing Pochettino’s men to claim a crucial victory on home soil.

Verdict: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 8/11

Bookmaker: Dachbet