Prediction: Chelsea vs Everton

Verdict: Alvaro Morata to score anytime

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: Bet365

Looking to continue their very impressive start to the new Premier League season, Chelsea will welcome Everton to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

Chelsea

Starting with the hosts, after bringing in Maurizio Sarri to replace Antonio Conte over the summer, thing’s could not be going any better for Chelsea. Winning all four of their Europa League matches and booking their spot in the knockout stage with plenty of time to spare, the Blues are now the only side in the Premier League who are yet to be beaten in any competition, both domestically and in Europe. Now just within two points of Manchester City at the top of the table, the former Napoli boss could also break a long-standing top-flight record if he can avoid defeat on Sunday. Sarri can become the first manager or head coach to go unbeaten in his first 12 Premier League games. Boasting a stellar record against Everton that has seen them go unbeaten in West London since 1994, one man to watch for Chelsea will be striker Alvaro Morata. Despite struggling to adjust to life in England, the Spanish international appears to be finding his feet. Scoring a brace in last week’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace, the former Real Madrid man now has three in his last three and is quickly becoming Sarri’s number one striking option.

Team News

Chelsea are set to recall the senior players rested against BATE Borisov.

Fit-again Eden Hazard played 62 minutes in Thursday’s game and could be in contention to start.

Cesc Fabregas is doubtful because of illness, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s back problem will be assessed.

Everton

As for Everton, while the Toffees did show some struggles at the start of the season, they appear to be finally beginning to settle under former Watford boss Marco Silva. Picking up a 3-1 win over Brighton last time out, the Blues have claimed four wins in their last five top-flight matches. However, although the visitors might have one eye on booking a return to European football, Everton have endured a woeful record during their visits to London. They have now won one of their last 16 Premier League outings when traveling to the capital. More bad news for Silva, it appears that Everton will also be heading to Stamford Bridge without their standout performer this season. Since following his former boss to Merseyside over the summer, Richarlison has played a huge part in Everton’s transformation. Scoring a brace last weekend, the Brazilian international is likely to miss Sunday’s clash after only taking part in a light training session on Friday afternoon.

Team News

Everton are without Chelsea loanee Kurt Zouma, who is ineligible to play against his parent club, so summer signing Yerry Mina will hope to start his first league game for the Toffees.

Phil Jagielka and James McCarthy come back into contention after recovering from injuries but Jonjoe Kenny and top scorer Richarlison are both doubts.

Key Factors to Consider

• Everton’s only Premier League win away to Chelsea came courtesy of a Paul Rideout goal in November 1994.
• The Londoners are unbeaten in the subsequent 23 league meetings at Stamford Bridge (W13, D10).
• Chelsea are unbeaten in 12 league and cup games at Stamford Bridge, with their last defeat a 3-1 loss to Tottenham on 1 April.
• Maurizio Sarri can become the first manager or head coach to avoid defeat in his first 12 Premier League games.
• Everton have won one of their last 16 Premier League outings in London (D6, L9), losing all four of their matches in the capital this year.

Conclusion

While Everton will certainly prove to be a tough test and have undoubtedly shown signs of improvements over the past month, it is hard to bet against a high-flying Chelsea side who find their confidence soaring. Given Everton’s recent woeful record in the capital, coupled with Morata’s recent form in front of goal, we’re backing the 26-year-old to extend his recent tally on Sunday.

Verdict: Alvaro Morata to score anytime

Best Odds: 6/5

Bookmaker: Bet365