Everton are back at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, and it’s a big one.
Chelsea are the visitors, and bring with them a rampant front 3 that is thriving under new boss Xabi Alonso.
The last time Everton hosted Chelsea, of course, David Moyes’s men surged to a 3-0 victory in March.
Here, we look at what to expect from Chelsea.
LAST TIME OUT
Chelsea were hammered 3-0 by Brentford prior to the international break, but they bounced back in emphatic fashion by thrashing Bournemouth 5-1 last weekend.
Jordan Henderson scored twice, and provided an assist, while Morgan Rogers netted and Joao Pedro also doubled up. Yet that did not tell the whole story.
Chelsea’s 5 goals came from chances worth just 1.1 xG, whereas Bournemouth created opportunities worth a combined 1.38 xG.
While Chelsea’s attack is to be feared, their defence is a weak point.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
This will be the 197th meeting between Everton and Chelsea.
The Toffees have won 61 times, but it’s Chelsea who have had the better of this matchup historically, claiming 78 victories.
Everton have won 2, lost 3 and drawn 1 of their last 6 encounters with Chelsea.
CHELSEA’S FORM
Here are Chelsea’s last six competitive results:
August 30th: Chelsea 4-3 Brighton
September 6th: Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea
September 9th: Chelsea 6-3 Leeds United [EFL Cup]
September 12th: Chelsea 2-2 Hull City
September 18th: Brentford 3-0 Chelsea
October 10th: Chelsea 5-1 Bournemouth
ONE TO WATCH
Chelsea’s attack has been formidable this term. They have scored 15 goals, with Joao Pedro (5) and Rogers (4) leading the way, while Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro have each provided 3 assists.
So, rather than one to watch, Everton really have to focus on attempting to keep Chelsea’s attacking trio under lock and key.
Crucial to that, will be putting Jarrad Branthwaite back into the centre of defence. If Vitalii Mykolenko is not fit enough to feature, then Moyes must not move Branthwaite out to left-back.
There are other options, and keeping Everton’s best central defender in his proper position has to be the way to go.
WHAT CAN EVERTON TARGET?
Chelsea’s attack is top quality, but defensively, Alonso has not yet got the formula to click.
The Blues lead the Premier League this season for goals conceded (13), along with Newcastle United and Bournemouth.
Chelsea’s xG against, meanwhile (which measures the quality of chances they are giving up) ranks as the 16th-worst in the top flight so far this term.
It’s pretty clear that Alonso’s side can be got at, and though they have superb ability up top, a front-foot approach from Everton has to be the order of the day.
Everton can’t go gung-ho, of course, but they mustn’t attempt to just sit in their shell.