Chelsea face Everton this weekendplaceholder image
Chelsea face Everton this weekend | Getty Images
A look at the predictions for Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Everton.
Chelsea are back in Premier League action on Saturday after a rather forgettable week of Champions League action. The Blues failed to put up a fight against PSG and dropped out of the competition.
Attention now turns back to the Premier League and attempting to secure Champions League football for next season, but three points off the top four, the Blues have work to do.
Everton will be tricky customers, with David Moyes’ men battling for European football themselves. Here we round up the pundit predictions for the game from BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton and SportsKeeda’s Paul Merson.
Paul Merson
“Chelsea were blown away by PSG in the Champions League. That was a majorly disappointing performance. Even if you look at Tottenham, they had a clear plan on facing Atletico. I just couldn't see that with Chelsea, literally blown away!
“The 8-2 aggregate score just shows how far off Chelsea are at the moment. I know they are not a team fighting for the Premier League title, but 8-2 is still disappointing. You shouldn't be getting blown away like that, especially at home.
“I would say Liam Rosenior is under a bit of pressure. I can't see Chelsea being alright without Champions League football next season. Now they have a massive fight on their hands to secure that qualification. Everton will give Chelsea a tough test. I remember them being good against Arsenal at the Emirates. If Chelsea can get three points here, it will be an unbelievable result, but I don't expect that to happen.
“I don't expect any of the teams that are chasing Champions League qualification to win this weekend. If I had to pick three teams to finish behind Arsenal and Manchester City in the top five, my choices would be Manchester United, Liverpool and Aston Villa. I'm not backing Chelsea because their fixtures are atrocious. If Arsenal had Chelsea's fixtures, the title race would have still been alive! Prediction: Everton 1-1 Chelsea.”
Chris Sutton
“I was at Chelsea's defeat by Newcastle last weekend and they did not offer enough in the final third. I also need to mention their pre-match huddle before that game too. Deary me. I like Blues boss Liam Rosenior but what was he talking about when he said his players were there to "respect the ball"?
“It's nonsense. What are they going to respect next, the corner flag? As for this game, well it will be close. Everton pushed Arsenal all the way last time out, but couldn't quite hang on.
“I think this has turned into a big game for Rosenior's future now, because he needs a strong end to the season in the Premier League to qualify for next season's Champions League. Chelsea have got some quality players, of course, and I am also still not sure about Everton at their new ground, even though they beat Burnley in their previous home game.
“I want to be brave here, and pick a winner because I am expecting both teams to go for it... but instead I am going to go for a draw. Prediction: 1-1.”
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