Chelsea to win
Raheem Sterling to score anytime
Over 10.5 corners
Kai Havertz to have two or more shots on target
*A Bet Builder with these selections pays at approximately 24/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
Saturday 5.30pm: Everton v Chelsea
TV: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League
Chelsea to win
It is difficult to gauge where these two are at following lukewarm preseasons and a number of personnel changes for both sides, but Chelsea should be able to avenge the 1-0 defeat they suffered at Goodison Park at the tail end of last season. Thomas Tuchel’s side have lost two of their most important central defenders on free transfers during the summer window, while they are also likely to start Saturday’s game without a recognised centre forward.
However, the signings of Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly will add genuine class to the Chelsea ranks, while the arrival of the likes of Marc Cucurella will further bolster Tuchel’s squad (although he’s unlikely to feature here). Everton, on the other hand, have lost talisman Richarlison over the summer and have so far only brought in Burnley’s Dwight McNeil to improve their attacking ranks.
Frank Lampard’s side survived relegation by the skin of their teeth last season and their acquisitions so far will have done little to inspire confidence. The expected arrival of Amadou Onana from Lille will help to strengthen the Everton midfield, but the Toffees could face another season of looking nervously over their shoulder.
With Richarlison gone and Dominic Calvert-Lewin ruled out through injury, they are likely to go down to an opening day defeat for the first time since 2010 on Saturday evening. We kick off with Chelsea to Win.
Raheem Sterling to score anytime
It is hard to believe that Sterling is still only 27. The English forward began to catch the eye with his performances for Liverpool ten seasons ago and has been a household name in the Premier League ever since.
Chelsea have acquired a readymade Premier League goalscorer with a point to prove following two mediocre seasons at Manchester City. Sterling grabbed his first Chelsea goal in their recent 3-1 friendly win over Italian side Udinese and is good value to get open his Premier League account on Saturday evening.
He has scored five goals in his last 10 league appearances against Everton and can grab his first competitive Chelsea goal against them at Goodison. Sterling to Score Anytime is a nice price.
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Over 10.5 corners
Chelsea and Everton matches both averaged fewer than 10.5 corners per game last season, with Chelsea games averaging 10.3 per game and Everton games averaging 9.8. However, Chelsea won an average of 6.3 corners per game last season, while Everton conceded an average of 5.8 per game.
Chelsea are likely to dominate the ball and territory on Saturday evening and should at least match their average from last season. Everton, on the other hand, should match their average of 4.2 per game from last season with the backing of a vocal home support that will demand better performances than the previous campaign so I’m on Over 10.5 Corners.
Kai Havertz to have 2 or more shots on target
With Romelu Lukaku loaned out to Inter Milan and Timo Werner reportedly on his way back to RB Leipzig, Kai Havertz is likely to start the season as the fulcrum of a fluid Chelsea attack. Havertz has been deployed as a false nine in the past and will almost certainly be entrusted with leading the line during Saturday’s curtain raiser.
The German averaged just over one shot on target per Premier League start last season, averaging more than two shots per game. Considering he was deployed in a number of positions last season, he is likely to better that average playing up front and Havertz is good value to Have Two or More Shots on Target.
Everton v Chelsea Bet Builder tips
Chelsea to win
Raheem Sterling to score anytime
Over 10.5 corners
Kai Havertz to have two or more shots on target
*A Bet Builder with these selections pays at approximately 24/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
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*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change