There is a risk of sounding rhetorical, but the match against ‘his’ Chelsea will never be a match like any other for Frank Lampard, who has been in charge of Everton since last January. The Toffees’ path in this weekend’s Premier League opener begins with the match between the Liverpool club and the Blues. The former England national team captain faces his past but cannot afford to be sentimental about it. Everton must redeem last season, in which they seriously risked a resounding relegation, at all costs.
Lampard and his men avoided relegation by the skin of their teeth, thanks to a surge in the closing stages of the season, including a victory over an already despondent and aimless Chelsea last May. Avoiding another similar year will be the first objective of the coach, a native of the London suburb of Romford, who, however, has not appeared satisfied with the market: sold Richarlison for around 60 million euros, the Everton management has so far kept a low profile. The only arrivals are those of Vinagre from Sporting and the pair Tarkowski-McNeil from relegated Burnley. The Toffees were also inconsistent in the last pre-season friendlies: in the States they lost by surprise 4-0 to Minnesota United, then partially recovered by beating Blackpool and Dinamo Kiev.
Aiming to close the gap with City and Liverpool, Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea, just back from a decent season but not up to the level of the previous one, when the Blues reached the roof of Europe. Away with the disgruntled Rudiger and the never integrated Lukaku, the Londoners have fished again in Italy. In defence they have secured former Napoli man Kalidou Koulibaly, while up front they will be able to count on a winger of absolute value like Raheem Sterling. The last two strikes are perhaps less impressive, but we will hear about them: they are the Spaniard Cucurella, paid about 60 million, and the former Villans Chukwuemeka, also followed with interest by AC Milan.
How to watch Everton v Chelsea live TV and streaming
Thomas Tuchel ©️Ansafoto
Everton-Chelsea is scheduled for 6:30pm on Saturday. It can be seen on live TV exclusively for Sky subscribers on Sky Sports Football (channel 203). The same broadcast will also be available live streaming via Sky Go, the mobile service available to subscribers, and on NOW, Sky’s live and on demand platform.
The Prediction
Lampard has to cope with numerous absences (Coleman, Davies, Andre Gomes as well as starting striker Calvert-Lewin) and against his former team he will be thinking first and foremost about not taking a beating. Goodison Park is usually a tough pitch, but the chances of Chelsea starting the new season with a win are very high. We expect a match of less than three goals overall in Liverpool.
The Everton-Chelsea line-up probables
EVERTON (3-4-3): Pickford; Godfrey, Mina, Tarkowski; Patterson, Doucouré, Allan, Mykolenko; Gordon, Gray, McNeil.
CHELSEA (3-4-3): Mendy; Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly; James, Kanté, Kovacic, Chilwell; Mount, Havertz, Sterling.
