Chelsea and Everton fans will not be eager to revisit the recently concluded 2021/22 season anytime soon. The blue half of Merseyside had a terrible campaign last time around as the Toffees were on the verge of relegation in the season’s final few weeks. Thanks to a series of positive results towards the end, Everton narrowly avoided the drop. Things were not that grim in the blue camp in West London. Chelsea finished third in the table, but there was severe uncertainty over the club’s future for a significant period of the season. So, both teams would be eager to leave behind the horrors of last season and start the new season with newfound optimism. Which side of the blues are top football betting tips experts siding with?
Everton
The Goodison Park burst into a roar of celebration when Everton had beaten Chelsea 1-0 last season. The fans were not only celebrating a win against one of the Premier League big guns; they were also celebrating prolonging the club’s stay in the Premier League.
A relegation dogfight might seem unthinkable for a club that have not gone down in the last 70 years. But Everton were very much involved in a fight for survival last season. Things got so bad midway through the season that escaping relegation was seen as a success.
Everton manager Frank Lampard would be desperate to steer clear of the dire circumstances of last season. But, it will not be a walk in the park. The Blues have lost one of their best players in Richarlison, who signed for Spurs. On top of that, the Merseyside outfit will not get the services of Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the first five/six weeks as the English striker has picked up an injury.
Club owner Farhad Moshiri has assured fans that the club will be active in the summer transfer market so that they can do much better this season. So far, Dwight McNeil and James Tarkowski have signed for the club from Burnley, and Ruben Vinagre arrived on loan from Sporting Lisbon. These transfers are not bad by any means, but they lack the pedigree required to dazzle the fans and feel excited about the new season.
Chelsea
Chelsea have had some frustrating moments in the transfer window as well. First, they sent out Romelu Lukaku on loan. Chelsea spent €100 million to buy the striker from Inter Milan following his excellent season with the Nerazzurri. But, he could not fulfil expectations, and Chelsea decided to send him back to Inter on loan.
Afterwards, Chelsea lost out Raphinha and Jules Kounde to Barcelona. At one point, Chelsea representatives believed they had struck deals for both players, but Barcelona swooped up both players in the end.
Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly did arrive as the big money signings. Still, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel could not hide his frustrations over Chelsea’s lack of ruthlessness in this transfer window. The transition to the new ownership under Ted Boehly from the Roman Abramovich regime has left the club in a state of instability.
Our Prediction
Despite Chelsea’s problems, they are in a far better position than Everton. The 4-0 friendly loss to MLS side Minnesota United underlined the lack of quality in the current Everton squad. It should be a comfortable win for Chelsea.
Our Tip
Chelsea to win @ 1.73
