By Joseph Connolly
As we move into the last couple of months of EPL play the tensions are starting to mount with clubs all across the country desperate to secure their dream place. Freetips.com looks at the upcoming match between Everton and Chelsea FC at Goodison Park.
For Chelsea FC, their sites will be firmly set on the coveted fourth spot, but competition is fierce with Arsenal and Manchester United also in close contention. Only these three teams really stand a chance of grabbing that final spot in the top four, as Chelsea presently rest in sixth place, three points behind the Gunners, and one back of United, who reside in the middle.
Sadly, only one team will be able to take that spot and Everton are only too aware that every win is now vital for the big six as there is such a close margin in the points separation for the teams up at top.
Everton currently sits eleventh and points wise are likely to finish the season around mid-table, currently with the same number of points as Bournemouth and one point behind Leicester City. They are the weaker team in this fixture, but could still do plenty enough to manage a draw, or even beat Chelsea and thus prevent them from taking the much needed three points.
The last two meetings between these two sides ended in 0-0 draws which is not what Chelsea will be looking for at all on Sunday. They have not won against Everton since October 2017, 2-1 at home in a League Cup competition. The last time they beat Everton as the away side was back in April of 2017 when they won convincingly 3-0 in a Premier League game not too dissimilar to what we might see this weekend.
The teams clash on Sunday the 17th of March in a 5 pm kickoff, and in the last six games played, Chelsea has been the much stronger team by winning four, drawing two and losing zero. In contrast, Everton has only won one match, against relegation contender Cardiff City, lost four and drawn one.
Facing off against current title holders Manchester City, Chelsea managed a respectable 0-0 draw and seem to be on good form at the moment.
In contrast when Everton took on City just a few weeks before they lost 0-2 to the away team. Of their four losses two were at home and two away, their only win was away, and they drew at home, so the home ground does not seem to offer them much comfort.
Chelsea played five of their last six games at home but won away to Fulham, beating the Craven Cottagers 2-1.
Maurizio Sarri, however, has been in the spotlight recently for failing to manage the team intuitively, instead stalwartly sticking to his tactics even though in many cases they have not helped the team.
It may be his last season at the club, but there is evidence that he is at least trying to amend his ways. Either way, the money is on Chelsea to win, but whether it will be enough to secure fourth remains to be seen.