Chelsea might have won 1 – 2 against Fulham but there is more to their match with Everton than the one they had with the Cottagers (Fulham). This can be attested to the fact that Everton have got more quality (players) than Scott Parker’s.
Also Marco Silva side has better team stability than Fulham who have been firing managers just as they sacked Italian boss Claudio Ranieri (mow at Serie A side AS Roma) within a short while after his appointment.
The 0-5 defeat of Dynamo Kiev may not exempt them here as the Premier League have proven even to be (arguably) more difficult than the Europa League. However, with Chelsea’s intentions ahead of the fixture, 3 things are needed.
On this note, we evaluate the three things Sarri’s men must do to beat Everton at home by all standards.
Get an Early Goal
This is probably difficult as Everton can be a stronghold at home just like in the Merseyside derby with Liverpool as it ended in a stalemate (goalless draw) despite the attacking threat from Sadio Mane and Mo Salah.
But this is possible as no two game is the same as this can help the Blues to iron out a positive (three points) in this fixture. Early goal may prove decisive as this will probably shatter Everton plans and tactics (antics) early on in the match.
If there is a game plan for the host to play defensive as Marco Silva have talked about the need for defensive organization (who knows) like they did in the first leg to earn themselves a draw (0-0) at Stamford Bridge.
Scoring an early goal will force the home side to change their tactics as they will come out to find the response to the goal they conceded as they aim to satisfy their home (demanding) fans.
Control Match Proceedings
Just like it’s been said that the best form of defence is the attack, this may be Chelsea’s case ahead of the Merseyside match with Everton. Sarri’s side will do themselves good if they can attack Everton from the onset.
But how do you attack your opponent when you have not got the ball (possession) to do so in a crucial game like this. This is why Chelsea’s midfield must control the game to create chances for the attackers to find (space) expression on the pitch.
This will be helpful, it will release the likes of Eden Hazard and sensational talent Callum Hudson-Odoi to do the damage in transition as Gonzalo Higuaín awaits for supplies coming from the wings after he missed the trip to Ukraine (Dynamo Kiev) due to illness.
Massive Defensive Orientation
Chelsea must be technically cautious during the Everton match in order to withstand the Toffees attacking influx on the pitch. This aids them in possibly picking up the three maximum points at the Goodison Arena.
The likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison (De Andrade) and Ademola Lookman are young and have got pace going forward.
They will be menacing against any defence but a top-notch level of awareness (defense) could be helpful for Chelsea as this can limit their effect against the Blues back four.
This is most especially for defender David Luiz as the Brazilian loves to join the (Chelsea’s) attack a lot thus leaving holes in the Chelsea defence for oppositions to exploit.
