Attention turns to the EFL Cup this week with a whole host of matches taking place over Tuesday and Wednesday evening. Wednesday’s clash at Stamford Bridge between Chelsea and Everton is arguably the most intriguing game of the round as Everton begin life following the sacking of Ronald Koeman on Monday. This game will provide David Unsworth with the perfect chance to showcase what he can do, following rumours that he is the favourite to take over the post on a permanent basis and he will be desperate to impress on Wednesday night.
EFL Cup – Stamford Bridge, London, England – Wednesday, October 25th, 2017 – 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 18/5 at Ladbrokes |
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Chelsea
EvertonChelsea
Chelsea won a tough game 4-2 against Watford last time out with Michy Batshuayi impressing after coming off the bench to score twice. The young Belgian will surely get the chance to lead the line against Everton on Wednesday with manager Antonio Conte likely to shuffle his pack heading into a congested fixture period. Fringe players such as Batshuayi, Zappacosta, Musonda and Caballero will all be hoping to gain starts in the match and impress Conte.
Everton
Enough was enough for the Everton board following Sunday’s humiliating 5-2 home defeat to Arsenal and Ronald Koeman was out of a job come Monday morning. It appears to be a two-way race to replace him with David Unsworth currently the narrow favourite ahead of former Borussia Dortmund boss, Thomas Tuchel. Unsworth is apparently the man the players want in charge and you’d expect him to name a strong team on Wednesday as he seeks to gain a win in his first game in management.
Talking Points
1. Everton have a number of injuries heading into the game, but Unsworth will be desperate to pick up just a fourth domestic victory of the season for Everton.
2. Everton have conceded 18 goals in 9 matches this season and Chelsea will be confident of breaching a leaky backline again on Wednesday.
3. Chelsea have won 71 of the 177 previous meetings between these two sides.
Prediction
I think we could be in for an exciting game on Wednesday night and I’m sure that we’ll see an improved performance from Everton under the stewardship of David Unsworth. You’d fancy that Everton will be more pumped up for the game than Chelsea and so I really wouldn’t be surprised to see Everton get something out of this game. I’m going to back Everton to at least get a draw here and I think Chelsea could really struggle to get motivated for the game.
Betting Tips (Ladbrokes)
Chelsea start this game as big favourites at odds of 1/2, whilst an away win for Everton is available at a massive 6/1 and the draw 18/5. I think those odds are very long considering the new manager bounce that Everton could benefit from and the 18/5 available for Draw or Everton looks like a superb bet to me.
Draw or Everton – 13/8 (Ladbrokes)