Game Week 7 Predictions: Chelsea to beat Everton

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will hope to inflict pain on Chelsea on Saturday. Will the Blues let him? (Photo credit: Opta)  Everton vs Chelsea Hil...

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will hope to inflict pain on Chelsea on Saturday. Will the Blues let him? (Photo credit: Opta)

 Everton vs Chelsea

Hill Dickinson Stadium

12:30pm

This is one game that will test Chelsea's true strength. Chelsea will face a strong defense that may not concede early and could surprise them later. This should be fun to watch.

The Blues have a reputation for scoring within the first few minutes of every game they have played this season, except for the game they lost at Brentford. Everton's defensive structure will count for something. Is this the game that will define Chelsea's health?

Everton led twice and got pegged back twice by Hull City last weekend, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall shining for the Toffees. The former Chelsea midfielder will hope to prove a point to his former employers on Saturday.

With no European engagement for the Blues this season, many expect them to compete for the title. It's still early days, but the manner in which Chelsea continues to concede goals will haunt their title chances.

Chelsea has conceded a goal in at least every game they have played this season. The addition of Max Lacroix from Crystal Palace hasn't changed a lot. Xabi Alonso is also yet to find his best defensive partnership as he continues to tinker with the team.

For Everton, it's a case of a thin squad. The Toffees failed to bring in another striker in the summer, leaving Theirno Barry as their only available number 9. It explains why they haven't scored a lot, but they have managed to get goals from elsewhere.

How will they line up on Saturday? The hosts will keep the same shape that has earned them results this season. Our understanding is that Vitalii Mykolenko could return, while Jarrad Branthwaite is nursing a dead leg picked up in Gameweek 6.

The midfield will be compact, with James Garner leading the conversation. Former Arsenal midfielder Christian Norgaard is still unavailable, but the Dane is closer to a return than ever. Barry will lead the line with Dewsbury playing behind him.

Chelsea's forward line is the problem. The pace and trickery of Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, and Joao Pedro will trouble any defense. Between them, they have created and scored the most goals, but how much joy will they find against Everton?

Chelsea's defense is still suspect. Captain Reece James has undergone surgery to resolve another knee issue and will be out until January. Romeo Lavia is pushing for a start, but we expect Alonso to stick to the duo of Moisés Caicedo and Jordan Henderson.

Verdict: Chelsea to win.