Everton will be up against Chelsea this Sunday, December 22, 2024, at the iconic Goodison Park, located in Liverpool, as part of the 17th round of the Premier League. This clash promises to be significant for both teams for different reasons; Everton is fighting to avoid the relegation zone, whereas Chelsea aims to leapfrog Liverpool and claim the top spot.
Kick-off is set for 11 AM (Brasilia time), and fans can catch the live action on ESPN and the streaming service Disney+. The stakes are high for both sides: Everton, sitting precariously at 16th place with only 15 points, needs to secure victories to steer clear of the relegation battle. Conversely, Chelsea lies second on the table, two points behind Liverpool, with 34 points—a win could see them ascend to the pinnacle of English football.
This matchup is pivotal for Everton, who have only registered three wins, six draws, and six losses this season. Their most recent outing ended goalless against Arsenal, and they've only secured one victory out of their last seven Premier League games. Their offensive struggles have been evident throughout the campaign, highlighted by the fact they possess the second-worst attack, having netted merely 14 times. The Toffees' inability to find the back of the net has alarmingly placed them just three points above the dropout zone.
Manager Sean Dyche will have to address significant gaps within his squad due to injuries. Players like Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner are sidelined, and top scorer Armando Broja cannot play due to contractual obligations, underscoring the uphill task Dyche faces.
On the opposite end, Chelsea has been enjoying remarkable form, marked by five consecutive victories. The Blues recently thumped Shamrock Rovers 5-1, with young talent Marc Guiu showcasing his prowess by scoring three goals during the UEFA Conference League match. Chelsea's attacking force is currently unmatched, leading the league with 37 goals scored. It's clear they mean business as they look to put pressure on the league leaders.
Head coach Enzo Maresca will be managing this fixture with fewer personnel at his disposal. He faces challenges with the absence of key players—Marc Cucurella received a suspension following his expulsion against Brentford, and several others, including Reece James and Wesley Fofana, are out due to injuries. That said, the Chelsea squad is still brimming with talent, and they are eager to extend their winning streak against Everton.
The historical rivalry between the two clubs reveals intriguing statistics, with this being the 193rd official meeting. So far, the matchup favors Chelsea, who have bagged 76 wins compared to Everton’s 59, and 57 matches ended in draws. Yet, Everton remains resilient at home, having been unbeaten across their last six games at Goodison Park.
With each team’s opposing fortunes, the upcoming game poses as more than just three points; it symbolizes hope for Everton and ambition for Chelsea. A glimpse at their stats indicates Chelsea not only leads the league offensively but also has demonstrated resilience under pressure with consistent scoring across competitions. Reports suggest Chelsea has the upper hand, as they are considered the favorites to win the upcoming clash against the struggling Toffees.
Both squads are set to announce confirmed line-ups approximately one hour before the game, building excitement and tension among fans. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: the Goodison Park will host another exciting encounter filled with competitive energy, as passionate supporters rally behind their sides.
Viewers can enjoy the match live on ESPN (cable), or stream it on Disney+, ensuring fans will not miss out on this thrilling Premier League showdown. With both games approaching, this match not only could redefine the narrative for enduring Everton but also solidify Chelsea’s claim to Premier League dominance.
