Everton–Chelsea

The eighth-placed team in the Premier League hosts the sixth-placed Londoners. It may have gone a little under the radar that these two are only separated by two places and five points, but that's the reality. Everton are playing for a place in Europe. What about opponents Chelsea? If you ask me now, it's possible that they want to spend Tuesdays and Wednesdays in front of the screen instead of actually participating on the continent themselves. Chelsea were thoroughly ripped to shreds by PSG over two games, and could have beaten themselves with a 2-8 scoreline. It all peaked for many when Garnacho was sent onto the pitch with five minutes left to play in the final game with a note in his hand. What could it have said on it? "I still love you. Hug Rosenior." "Pizza or kebab after the game?" It's hard to say, but it didn't have any special impact on the game? Chelsea were many numbers too small. The games come quickly for English top teams, so the question is whether you're ready for a trip up to Liverpool just days after such a letdown. It probably won't be easy.

Everton – In the fight for Europe

For Everton, they are not far behind. With these five points up to the aforementioned Chelsea, all options are still on the table. The form has been a bit up and down, but they have a couple of men who can make things happen, even on the grayest days. Beto and Ndiaye are often the ones you look to, and the opponents also have to be extra careful of. Nevertheless, Everton's problem is almost the same as it always is. They score too little. They sail through the season with an average of about 1-1 per match. That's how I always feel about Everton. But then you win the important games. The games you have to win to save your place, and to be in next year too.

This season things look a little brighter. However, it is as tight as hail around the middle of the table, and from a place that indicates a real chance of Europe, it is only four points down to 14th place. Here you have to keep going, and then this could be an opportunity to put more points in the bank. At home you are strong, at home you have the fans behind you, and when these two meet in Liverpool it is rarely the away team that runs away with the victory.

Vital Tarkowski and Branthwaite in central defence are uncertain ahead of the match. Getting this duo in their boots could be the difference between victory and defeat. They will probably be on the pitch if their form is in the area. Late tests on both.

Chelsea – Embarrassing exit

Because this hurts. Being run over in Paris by 2-5 is one thing, but it's quite another to lose so clearly at home, when in reality you have to fight back. 0-3 it was, and thus 2-8 on aggregate. Chelsea ate at the children's table this time.

Losing like this does something to a team. It clearly says that you are not close. That you have a long way to go, and that the world elite is not within reach anytime soon. Two bad days can of course happen, but the numbers don't lie. PSG were enormously better than the Royal Blues, and so you have to start over in London. That you will have the opportunity to do it already next season is also not certain. Meeting Everton just days after such a defeat will be brutal. Because if there is one thing we know about Everton, it is that they do not give up at the door. Here the guests really have to work if they are to go home with anything.

There are probably some tired legs and tired heads in the visitors' dressing room this weekend. You try to switch off, calibrate, and go again. But it is difficult to do this in practice. The matches against PSG leave their mark, and either you manage to fight back immediately, or you drag it with you. If your head is clear, it is not guaranteed that your legs will be either. These matches are tough both physically and mentally, so 90+ on the road can be a challenge.

There are no notable absences. James would like to play at fullback, but otherwise you can choose almost freely.

Conclusion – Who takes control?

Will the home team be the ones to take charge this Saturday? Or will the superior away team manage to reset and take command? Not an easy thing to say, but we would be surprised if the visitors manage to emerge as the world's safest unit in this match. You are probably somewhat unsure of your own form and skills, so Everton would probably be wise to ask the advanced questions this evening. A home match on a Saturday, at 5:30 PM English time, must be a perfect opportunity to urge your own team to a solid performance.

We shouldn't underestimate Palmer, Enzo and Pedro either. By all means. These are sharp knives. Okay, they weren't this time in Europe, but we know what they can do. Three straight losses in all competitions must be turned around if this season is to result in anything, and we think they will get their chances this time too. Especially if the home team's central defense doesn't get on the field.

An open affair, perhaps a match where the home team is in the best position, but where the away team must also show that they can actually put the ball in the net. The conclusion is therefore that both teams score. Who will pull the longest straw is rather uncertain, but perhaps we should give the home team a slight advantage? The odds for half-guarding in Everton's favor are playable, and will be our alternative bet.

England at 18:30: Everton - Chelsea: Both teams to score (1.70)

Alternative game

 England at 18:30: Everton - Chelsea: 1X (1.75)