Chelsea vs Everton Betting Preview

Chelsea: League Position: 3rd, League Form: WWLWW

Chelsea have began the season quite successfully, and yet the form of both Manchester sides means they have started off quietly too. Overshadowed by both these rivals and the continuing media obsession with Fernando Torres, Chelsea have made tweaks rather than changes. Ramires has taken the role Michael Essien fulfilled before repetitive injuries stalled his career. Frank Lampard has began to operate a touch deeper than before, although that statement seems churlish after his hat trick against Bolton.

With the spotlight up in Manchester, the West Londoners of Stamford Bridge have clicked into gear nicely, smashing five past Bolton and four past Swansea in their past two league appearances. Even the loss at Manchester United saw them create enough chances to feel a tad hard done by.

Manager Andre Villas-Boas promised a slightly different style, and with new boy Juan Mata finding his feet quickly, the little Spaniard has become the icon of that change. His interplay with the forwards, and especially Torres, has brushed away some of the dust of rigid past from them, and whilst they still have that effective if not exciting style in them, there is much more intent and invention in their attacks than once before.

Chelsea vs Everton Betting Betting odds

Everton: League Position: 13th, League Form: WDWLL

Life for The Toffees is little fun at the moment. Back to back defeats against Manchester City and rivals Liverpool were hard to stomach. Not just the results, but the lack of any form or shape to their attacking play. At least in the Merseyside derby they started with a striker on the pitch rather than the muddled together midfield/attack of Cahill and Fellaini that did nothing against City.

They have proved themselves hard to play against, but where are the goals coming from? Louis Saha carries a hell of a weight on his shoulders with Beckford now at Leicester and Stracqualursi and Vellios more than a little unproven. The goals from midfield Tim Cahill brings have gone from a great bonus to an absolute necessity.

Of course, David Moyes does more than most could considering the budgetary restraints at Goodison Park. Loanee Royston Drenthe is exciting, if a little inconsistent, and there are some very good players in the blue of Everton. But without firepower it’s hard to see them causing Chelsea the problems they have before.

Match Prediction: Chelsea Win – 1.36 Coral

It may come as a surprise, but Chelsea have not beaten Everton in the Premier League at home since 2006. However, in those years the Everton team has never been this uninspiring. Grit and determination are valuable assets, but their lack of a killer punch makes them targets. Whereas in years gone by Chelsea strived due to their efficiency and fight, the latter quality Everton could match them on, the quicker passing and exploitation of space this season makes them a more dangerous weapon.

Chelsea come into the game without suspended Fernando Torres, but Didier Drogba seems fit to return, whilst they also have Anelka, Kalou, Sturridge and even Lukaku available up top. What Everton would do for just one of those strikers.

Chelsea’s big wins have come against sides like Bolton and Swansea who will go home and away and look to outplay opponents on the deck. This Everton will not do, if recent evidence is to be followed. As such, even though Chelsea are finishing 86% of games with three or more goals scored by both sides combined, Everton are stubbornly stuttering along with only 33%. Stifle may be the key word of David Moyes’ team talk.

With Chelsea’s attacking line up a likely variation of many, value for the first goal might be with likely starter Juan Mata, who was rested midweek for Spain. With pockets of space his speciality, but Everton out to suffocate in midfield, he will either be forced further forward or deeper into midfield. With the dominance Chelsea expect, gamble the little playmaker will pop up in the box.

Highlighted Bets:

Over/Under: Under 2.5 Goals – 2.25 Victor Chandler
First Goalscorer: Juan Mata – 8.00 Blue Sq
Correct Score: 2-0 Chelsea Win – 7.00 William Hill

Article by Chris Wilkerson

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