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Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
A graphic showing Jordan Henderson's match statistics (goals, assists, key passes and pass completion rate) against for Chelsea FC against Bournemouth. Image shows Jordan Henderson celebrating.
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Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images
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Photo by MARCEL VAN DORST/EYE4Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
UEFA Champions League Feyenoord v Como 1907
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Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
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Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Chelsea have won only once in their last eight trips to Everton, losing six. On Saturday, Xabi Alonso will look to end that dismal run – and both Peter Crouch and Steve Sidwell have predicted the result.
The Blues have got the feel-good factor back after a stunning 5-1 win over Bournemouth on Saturday. It came after three league games without a win, losing to Arsenal and Brentford and drawing against Hull.
Fifth against sixth, as Chelsea look to secure a second successive win and leapfrog David Moyes’ side. The new Chelsea manager will be hoping his side can do a lot better than last season’s 3-0 defeat at Everton.
READ MORE: Moises Caicedo strengthens Willian’s claim that Chelsea should sign defender
Peter Crouch and Steve Sidwell predict result of Chelsea v Everton
The Blues have Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, Marco Palestra and Moises Caicedo fit, as well as Morgan Rogers, Jordan Henderson and plenty of others in good form. Reece James and Jamie Gittens remain sidelined.
Gittens could be out for ‘months’. However, Alonso has got Chelsea firing in the final third; Chelsea have scored the third-most goals, but have conceded the joint-worst amount, letting 13 goals in.
Winstanley and Stewart for Chelsea
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On That Peter Crouch podcast, former England striker Crouch and ex-Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell gave their predictions ahead of Saturday’s clash. But they could not agree, with Sidwell predicting a draw.
Crouch: “I love watching Chelsea. Everton are unbeaten, though. At home they’re a different proposition, too many draws. I think Chelsea 3-1.” Sidwell added: “In my heart, I’ve got 2-1, or 2-2. I’m going 2-2.”
Moises Caicedo is the key man for Chelsea, and the stats prove it
Joao Pedro, Palmer and Rogers can continue scoring goal after goal, game after game. Rogers could break a Chelsea record currently held by Diego Costa and Alvaro Morata on Saturday on Merseyside.
But defensively, Chelsea are still lacking. After a total of 22 Premier League games without a clean sheet, the win over Bournemouth was the first time Chelsea have conceded fewer than two goals in the League.
Bournemouth’s goal was a poor one to concede, almost fluky. The improved defensive fluidity and balance of the side was due to Caicedo’s return in midfield. The Ecuadorian will be key on Saturday.