Chelsea Super Fan delivers lowdown on clash v Everton
This is part of a regular series from our panel of Super Fans on upcoming Everton games. We’re delighted to welcome Mat Ogley as our exclusive Chelsea expert. Mat is a sports journalist and a massive Chelsea supporter
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Everton will be looking to make it four Premier League victories on the spin when they face a resurgent Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday.
The Toffees have beaten Liverpool, Southampton and West Brom in their last three league fixtures, meanwhile, Chelsea are unbeaten in ten league games since Thomas Tuchel succeeded Frank Lampard as manager.
As the race for Champions League qualification heats up, both sides will be gunning for a spot in the top four, with Chelsea currently occupying fourth while Everton are just one place and point behind them with a game in hand.
We asked Chelsea Super Fan Mat Ogley for his thoughts on the game, the latest team news and what he thinks will happen at Stamford Bridge on Monday Night.
Since Tuchel came to the club in January you’ve been on fire. How has the new manager changed things at Stamford Bridge?
I think the biggest difference has been our defensive record. To concede just twice in the 10 games he has been in charge is very impressive, with only one being scored by the opposition. Frank Lampard is obviously a club legend and I think all fans are gutted that it didn’t work out. However, I think it is clear now that there is more of a game plan than there was before.
The players are moving the ball a lot quicker but I think the only thing that is lacking is just that ability to find that killer pass and open teams up as the goals are not quite flowing yet.
Who’ve been the standout players for you since Tuchel took charge?
For me, Callum Hudson-Odoi has been excellent and took that substitution against Southampton very well. His ability to take players on has been brilliant. I know he still can’t find the back of the net, but Timo Werner has looked a lot better and more positive since Tuchel’s arrival. He is creating more chances for himself and I am sure the goals will come soon. Cesar Azpilicueta has also been solid since being brought back into the starting line-up.
How do you think you’ll look to exploit Everton on Monday?
Everton have been really solid at the back again recently with three clean sheets in a row. Counter attacks will be key.
Who are Chelsea’s main threats?
Mason Mount was superb against Liverpool; he is really starting to look like a future Chelsea legend with the consistent performances he has been putting in over the last season and a half. Werner was also very unfortunate to have that goal ruled out. VAR really has been everyone’s best friend this season.
Who do Chelsea fans see as the main threats from Everton?
At the beginning of the season, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and James Rodriguez were the main threats, they had a flying start to season. More recently it’s been Gylfi Sigurdsson and Richarlison who have been the match winners, and they will certainly be the players to watch out for.
They haven’t been playing with the same flare as they were at the beginning of the season, but they have been grinding out results as of late which is often the sign of a good team.
What’s your score prediction for the game and why?
If the past 10 games are anything to go by, I don’t see Everton scoring so I will optimistically say 2-0 to Chelsea.
What do Chelsea fans make of Everton this season?
With Ancelotti at the helm, Chelsea fans know what he is capable of. His sacking is still arguably one of the strangest sackings in the Roman Abramovich era. He is doing a great job there and deserves praise.
Do you think you’ll finish in the top-four? Can Everton?
I think there is every chance that Chelsea will finish second this season, with Manchester United and Leicester both faltering at the moment. With that in mind, there is no reason why Everton cannot finish in the top-four as well.
It has been the strangest of seasons and I can see it having a very strange end, where the top-four is concerned anyway. I think we all know the title is Manchester City’s though.
Tuchel may have brought some stability to Stamford Bridge but he’s yet to get his side firing on all cylinders, especially in front of goal.
That said Chelsea will still pose a real threat. However, Everton have shown some additional defensive solidity in recent weeks during Yerry Mina absence.
Carlo Ancelotti knows what victory over his former club could lead to in the Premier League table but also what it could signal to the rest of the teams in the division.
It won’t be an easy game for Everton, but if the Toffees can end Tuchel’s no-loss run then they’ll be in a great position heading forwards.
In other Everton news, Kevin Campbell has hailed Allan’s performance against Southampton after the midfielder returned following a lengthy injury lay-off.