It’s been a big summer on and off the pitch at Chelsea and the west Londoners begin their Premier League season against a familiar face.
Frank Lampard and Everton are the opposition on the opening weekend and the former fan favourite will no doubt be keen to get one over his old side.
Here is everything you need to know about Everton vs Chelsea this weekend.
Form
Everton
Everton’s pre-season got off to a poor start with a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal, before the alarm bells truly began to ring after a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of MLS outfit Minnesota United.
Dele Alli was among the goal as the Toffees returned to winning ways with an entertaining 4-2 victory at Blackpool, before Dwight McNeil opened his account for the club in a 3-0 win against Dynamo Kyiv – a clash dubbed the ‘Match For Peace’ due to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Attention to detail. pic.twitter.com/5NZ4zPe6kb
— Everton (@Everton) August 4, 2022
Lampard’s side have suffered a setback this week however, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin – scorer of two goals in the win over Dynamo Kyiv – suffering a knee injury in training this week. The England international is expected to miss six weeks of action as a result.
Chelsea
Thomas Tuchel has been critical of his Chelsea squad during the club’s pre-season campaign, questioning the work ethic and commitment of his players.
The Blues began with a 2-1 win over Club America, before a shootout defeat to Charlotte FC and a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of London rivals Arsenal.
Tuchel blasted his squad following the latter loss, insisting his side had not been competitive against the Gunners.
One day closer to #EveChe! ? pic.twitter.com/gFnia8tTqg
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 3, 2022
“We were simply not good enough. We were simply not competitive,” he said, as per the Metro.
“The worrying part is that the level of commitment physically and mentally for this match was far higher for Arsenal than for us.”
Last Meeting
Everton 1-0 Chelsea, May 1 2022.
Richarlison scored a second-half winner as struggling Everton secured a precious win in May, with the Brazilian netting the only goal of the game at Goodison Park.
Everton had begun the clash in the relegation places, but the forward’s ninth goal of the campaign – scored after robbing Cesar Azpilicueta of possession in a dangerous area – secured a crucial three points and boosted the Toffees’ survival hopes.
Chelsea were disappointing and struggled with the home side’s intensity on Merseyside, as an atmospheric home crowd willed Everton towards three points.
Jordan Pickford was in inspired form for Everton, with the England international producing arguably the save of the Premier League season to ensure a clean sheet.
Predicted Lineups
Everton: Pickford; Patterson, Tarkowski, Keane, Godfrey, Mykolenko; Doucoure, Iwobi, Gordon, McNeil; Alli.
Chelsea: Mendy; James, Azpilicueta, Silva, Koulibaly, Chilwell; Kante, Jorginho; Mount, Sterling, Havertz.
Who is the referee?
Craig Pawson.
What channel is Everton vs Chelsea on?
UK and Irish fans can watch the game on Sky Sports Main Event.
What time is kick off?
Saturday August 6th, 17:30 BST.
Odds
Everton – 9/2
Draw – 3/1
Chelsea – 8/13
Read – Our writers’ Premier League predictions for 2022/23
Read Also – Ranking the players with the most opening weekend goals in Premier League history
