Everton, Chelsea, Paul Merson
Paul Merson has predicted what will happen between Everton and Chelsea
Josh Edwards
Fri 20 December 2024 13:10, UK
Paul Merson has predicted a defeat for Everton against Chelsea on Sunday while claiming Toffees supporters don’t want to see their side sitting back.
Spirits are high at Everton following the completion of the takeover by the Friedkin Group but attentions will immediately turn to their next encounter when they face Chelsea on 22 December.
A recent 0-0 draw against Arsenal showed signs of defensive solidity but Merson has claimed Everton supporters don’t want to see their side succumbing to opposition pressure by sitting back, when making his prediction for their clash with Chelsea, which he sees Everton losing 2-0.
“Everton will make life difficult for Chelsea with how they play under Sean Dyche,” Merson said via SportsKeeda.
“But honestly, if you’re a fan of them, you don’t want to be seeing that every week. It just backs against the wall, they sit back and do nothing.
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“I expect Chelsea to slice them open at some point in this game and it will be a massive result for the visitors at Goodison Park.”
Everton need to attack Chelsea on Sunday
While Everton have shown their ability to defend, it’s a reliance on that will very rarely pay off, especially against the top teams.
Chelsea have had an excellent campaign so far under Enzo Maresca and they have the players to cause a threat even if you sit back against them and the Toffees simply can’t afford to do that.
With Dyche set to stay in post and with limited funds to be available in January (Daily Mirror), he has to adapt with what he has to ensure that Everton avoid getting drawn into a relegation dogfight.
Everton Sean Dyche
Everton manager Sean Dyche
Players like Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil both offer a significant amount of attacking threat but Dyche’s way of playing severely restricts the impact they can have in games and that is something that is going to have to change.
Sunday’s clash will be a difficult one for the Toffees but it is certainly not one that is beyond the reach of victory if they can adapt their way of playing.
In other Everton news, Darren Bent released his verdict on Sean Dyche.
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