Mark Lawrenson predicts result of Everton clash against Chelsea
Everton travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Thursday (16 December), and Mark Lawrenson does not see them getting even a point.
The Toffees have won just one out of their last 10 Premier League games, drawing twice, and they have their work cut out for them as they prepare to face one of the best teams on the planet right now away from home.
Everton could drop further down the table with a defeat, but having shocked Arsenal some few days ago, Rafa Benitez will be hoping his men can cause an upset against the Champions League defending champions.
Lawrenson wrote in his BBC column while predicting a 2-0 win for Chelsea: “Rafael Benitez is back at another of his former clubs but he will not expect a warm welcome at Stamford Bridge – and I can’t see him picking up any points either.
“The very least you usually expect from a Benitez side is that they are solid at the back but, defensively, Everton have been poor of late and it is hard to see them keeping Chelsea quiet.
“Chelsea have not been at their best at either end recently, but they should still have too much for the Toffees, who have lost four away games on the trot going into this one.”
Zero chance?
The London giants are not particularly firing on all cylinders right now, winning just three of their last six league games, and the Toffees do have a chance, no matter how slim it is.
Chelsea have drawn against Burnley, lost to West Ham and secured narrow wins against Leeds and Watford, and that should give Benitez’s side some hope.
There is no doubt that they have a chink in their armour, and if Everton take the few opportunities they get, nothing can be ruled out.
The Spaniard is under a lot of pressure right now, and a surprising result can get the fans temporarily back on his side.
Benitez is one of the best tacticians around, and while injuries have robbed him of a chance to get his side up and running, that is not an excuse the Toffees supporters want to hear right now.
They will not expect anything less than a defeat against Chelsea, but not many gave the team a chance against the Gunners, and this could be a type of game that ends up springing some surprises.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are plotting January loan-to-buy bid for centre-mid hailed by Jack Grealish last month.
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