Chelsea v Everton Betting Preview, 2016-01-16

Goals goals goals at Stamford Bridge

Premier League Tips

Saturday 16th January Kickoff: 1500hrs
Chelsea v Everton
Football – England – Premier League

Guus Hiddink is now five games into his second spell in charge of Chelsea having taken over following the sacking of Jose Mourinho. The Dutchman – who enjoyed a successful spell as interim manager in 2009 – is yet to taste defeat since returning to Stamford Bridge, winning two and drawing three. Last year’s Champions appear to have little to play for in terms of the league as they sit in 14th position, 19 points off the top of the table and 12 behind fourth-placed Tottenham. Finishing in the top four seems a long-shot, so the main focus for Chelsea is very much on the Champions League and FA Cup. They reached the next round of the latter with relatively few worries, defeating Scunthorpe 2-0 at home last weekend, whilst they are starting to prepare for a two-legged tie with PSG in the last-16 of the Champions League, next month. Before then, it is very much about instilling confidence to the squad.

Wednesday witnessed yet another draw for Everton and their manager Roberto Martinez. The stalemate with Manchester City was the tenth time the Toffees have shared the spoils in the league this season – more than any other team. However, unlike many of those games where they have been left frustrated having to settle for a point, the one they picked up at the Etihad was much more welcome as the visitors rode their luck in the last part of the game and should have had a penalty awarded against them. It’s a point that keeps them in 11th place, and eight points off of Spurs. A Champions League spot remains the aim, but they will certainly have to start turning some of these draws into victories if they are to overtake the team’s above them. Saturday’s trip to the capital represents another tough fixture, especially so soon on the back of the game against City. However, it’s these sorts of games that could go a long way to deciding where Everton finish and they will be hopeful of causing Chelsea some problems.

The turmoil Chelsea experienced towards the end of Mourinho’s time in charge is not quite forgotten, but it certainly looks as though the club are in a more positive position than they have been since clinching the title back in May. Certain players have been singled out by the supporters and experienced heavy criticism in the immediate aftermath, but performances on the park have improved and those same players look to have more hunger and desire than they had for long periods of this campaign. Diego Costa is one of those players, and whilst he continues to frustrate his supporters (and teammates) with his constant need to get involved in unnecessary situations, his overall work-rate has increased and he’s finally beginning to torment opposition defenders as he done for the majority of last season. This also makes it much easier for the players behind him who have more options when on the ball.

One man who will be a familiar face to all at Stamford Bridge is Everton’s star striker Romelu Lukaku. The Belgian international moved to Merseyside from Chelsea back in 2013 initially on loan, before making the stitch permanent last season. Mourinho clearly never rated him enough but he has been a terrific player for Everton and is enjoying a great goalscoring season having scored 15 in the league, which sees him leading the top scorers chart. He has faced his old club on three previous occasions but has yet to find the net against them. However, with 10 goals in his last 11 domestic games, he will definitely be in confident mood of changing that stat and showing the home fans what they have missed out on.

Chelsea v Everton Betting Tips

It was a Steven Naismith hat-trick that handed Everton a 3-1 over Chelsea back in September when these two sides last met. It was on of many bizarre performances from the champions in the first half of the season and one they will want to avenge. There’s certainly been no lack of entertainment for Chelsea supporters since Hiddink took over as three of their four league games have bad three or more goals scored in them. It definitely looks as though Hiddink has been instructed to play more attractive, attacking football, and whilst that is the case, he will no be happy by the number of goals they have leaked of late, especially at home (two apiece against Watford and West Brom. Games involving Everton are also known to be open affairs and they average 3.10 goals – the second most in the top-flight.

I fully expect this game to be a continuation of how we have seen Chelsea play under Hiddink and as Everton’s strengths lie going forward – and with the for of Lukaku – I’m confident we’ll see a few goals. Neither defence is good enough to keep the other team out, but rather than opt for either both teams to score or over 2.5 goals, I think the bet is to side with both things happening.

Both teams to score and over 2.5 goals 11/10 @ Stan James