Everton face Chelsea on Sunday and are looking to cause another upset in the Premier League.
The Toffees played out a 0-0 draw with Arsenal on Saturday, and that point could prove huge come the end of the season.
Mikel Arteta was critical of the way Everton played, insisting his side deserved to win the game based on possession and chances created.
But Sean Dyche issued a perfect response to Arteta, insisting many teams won’t dominate at the Emirates.
It’s Chelsea up next for Everton at Goodison Park and this will be another stern test – with Chelsea flying high under Enzo Maresca. The Blues beat Brentford in their latest match on Sunday evening, and are now just two points behind leaders Liverpool.
They’ll see the game with Everton as an opportunity for three points, but something significant happened last night which will have left Maresca frustrated.
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella to miss Everton game after red card
Marc Cucurella of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammate Nicolas Jackson during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC...
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Chelsea are going to be without Marc Cucurella for Sunday’s game with Everton.
The Spaniard had finished their game with Brentford on a yellow card, which he actually picked up in the 95th minute for a foul of Fabio Carvalho.
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Then, after the full-time whistle had been blown, Cucurella got tangled up in an altercation, and pushed Kevin Schade with Cucurella also getting pushed himself into the referee.
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The referee issued a second yellow card to Cucurella for adopting an aggressive attitude. Schade was also booked for the same offence.
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) December 15, 2024
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He got a second yellow for that, with the Premier League’s official Match Centre account on X stating: “The referee issued a second yellow card to Cucurella for adopting an aggressive attitude. Schade was also booked for the same offence.”
This came after Cucurella actually got Chelsea’s opening goal in the 2-1 win. He’ll now be unavailable to face Everton at Goodison Park.
A chance for Everton to attack Chelsea’s left side
Cucurella- who cost Chelsea £60 million – being unavailable to play against Everton is something that has come pretty out of the blue.
The star was moments away from finishing last night’s game, but somehow ended up getting sent off – and this is significant for Everton.
Everton head to head v Chelsea
Everton wins – 60
Draws – 56
Chelsea wins – 76
Cucurella has been one of Chelsea’s best players this season, which comes off the back of a strong Euros with Spain.
Maresca will now have to field a replacement for him, and it’ll be a chance for Everton to attack that left side through Jesper Lindstrom, Iliman Ndiaye or Jack Harrison.