Chelsea vs Everton Prediction & Betting Tips - Premier League

Prediction published on 13/12/2021, 13:03  by Joseph King | Modified on 13/12/2021 at 23:41 in Premier League Predictions

Title contenders Chelsea play host to a struggling Everton side desperate for a win on matchday 17 of the Premier League. The visitors haven’t fared well on their travels to Stamford Bridge, failing to win in their last 11 visits, and the pressure is mounting for under-fire Everton manager Rafa Benitez. Benitez is currently the oddsmakers favorite to get the sack and a poor result here could ultimately seal the Spaniard's fate. Everton have been on an awful run, winning just once in their last 10 matches, and things won’t get any easier as they face a Chelsea team looking to stay in the title race. Chelsea currently sit on 36 points and trail league leaders Manchester City by two points as there does appear to be a very notable divide in the quality of the current top three and the rest of the league. 

It looked like the Blues were going to drop points in their last match against Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds but a contentious penalty decision in extra time allowed Jorginho to rescue all three points from the spot. That win was just Chelsea’s second in five games as they had hit somewhat of a rough patch after their great form to start the season. After a morale boosting 2-1 home win to Arsenal which most likely bought Benitez more time, the Toffees disappointingly followed that up with a 3-1 away loss to Palace. That loss was Everton’s fourth straight away defeat and their seventh out of the last nine. Richarlison was forced off after 58 minutes with a potential thigh problem and might miss the trip to the Bridge, although Everton looked improved with replacement Rondon's physicality up top. This match will be a difficult test for the visitors who have earned just five points away from home this season. The Merseyside club have allowed 28 goals, fourth highest, while the hosts boast the second most potent attack in the league, notching 38 goals so far.