Everton put in their worst showing of the season at home to West Brom last weekend and they have now gone five games without a league win. David Moyes looks angry at the best of times and there will have been quite a few players trying to avoid making eye-contact with the fiery Scot this week.
A positive reaction will be demanded this week and the added motivation of playing away to Chelsea could see them getting something out of this game. Everton have a good record over the champions winning one and drawing three of their last four league meetings and Moyes’ anger will subside if they can earn a third consecutive draw at Stamford Bridge at 7/2.
Having been beaten so convincingly in their last home game their air of invincibility on their home patch has been shattered. It’s all sounding pretty positive for David Moyes and his side so far, except for the fact that those three vital players could all be set to return to the starting line-up this weekend, the Toffees have also won just once in their last five and they’re coming off a rather embarrassingly poor home defeat to West Brom.
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One man who should be in the starting line-up is Louis Saha. The Frenchman hasn’t been at his best this season but he has scored four goals in the Merseysider’s last three games against the Londoners, as well as braces from his spells with Fulham and Manchester United. Considering the form of Moyes’ entire striking core these stats are as good a reason as any to give Saha a run out.
He’s 10/1 to score the first goal and 35/1 to score two or more. Football also has a habit of offering quick redemption so maybe Beckford can make amends by hitting the last goal at 12/1. If he makes the bench. Of course Tim Cahill has to be mentioned. He is 8/1 to score first
One thing last week’s result will ensure is a reaction from Moyes’ players and if they can dig in and frustrate Chelsea, then they could well come away with a positive result. Having edged last season’s meetings with a home win and a 3-3 draw at Stamford Bridge, as well as holding them to two 0-0 draws the season before, Everton’s style of play is clearly one which Chelsea struggle against.
Everton +1 goal at 21/10, a shorter price than the draw but you’re covered on both the draw and an Everton win. Speaking of an Everton win, at 17/2 against an out-of-form Chelsea, it’s certainly worth at least a small punt
However, Everton are a side Chelsea don’t enjoy facing and a 1-1 draw 15/2 is a real and profitable possibility.