Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen backs Everton to avoid defeat against Chelsea
Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has backed Everton to hold FA Cup finalists Chelsea to a 1-1 draw on Sunday.
Thomas Tuchel’s side travel to Goodison with the home side desperate to keep their relegation fate in their own hands.
The Toffees are coming off a disappointing result in the Merseyside Derby, and probably feel a bit aggrieved not to have taken anything back across Stanley Park.
Owen believes that Lampard’s side should take plenty of encouragement from their performance at Anfield.
Writing for his Betvictor predictions blog, Owen said: “There’s been a lot of discussion about how they approached the game at Anfield, but they showed a lot of character.
“They managed to frustrate Liverpool for large periods and Frank Lampard will be hoping for a similar performance from his players here.”
Despite Chelsea’s League position and array of world-class talent, Owen feels the Toffees have every chance of getting a point: “Everton will keep things tight and hope to use the crowd to their advantage.
“I can see them getting a point.”
Do they need more?
A point for Everton would not be a shock result.
Lampard’s side have proven to be a tough nut to crack in recent weeks and with the Goodison Park crowd behind them, they can make life difficult for visiting sides.
However, is a point enough for Everton against last year’s European champions?
The Toffees do have a game in hand over Burnley, however, the Clarets face a trip to struggling Watford this weekend, and given their current form a win for the Lancashire side seems pretty likely.
Everton will be hoping for a Manchester City masterclass at Elland Road on Saturday evening, as an unlikely win for Leeds will take them eight points clear of Lampard’s side.
Eight points, in a relegation battle, at this point in the season, is an almost insurmountable gap.
A win against Thomas Tuchel’s side would really prevent them from being cut adrift, and it’s not out of the question.
Chelsea have very little to play for in the League and an FA Cup final to look forward to in May.
Tuchel rotating his squad could be the ideal opportunity for Everton to pick up a much needed three points.
In other Everton news, Liverpool Echo’s Joe Thomas backs Everton in Premier League survival race.
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