LIFE is never dull at Everton and they go into Monday's crunch game at Chelsea after a turbulent week even by their standards.
The Toffees were docked another two points for financial irregularities which put their continuous top flight stay since 1954/55 under serious jeopardy.
And there were then reports their new owners had a plan to sack manager Sean Dyche.
On the pitch, they gained a hugely important and much-needed win against Burnley last week and that was their first league win since the middle of January.
Once the weekend dust has settled, they will have a better idea of their battle to stay in the Premier League.
Chelsea did a very Chelsea thing last week – at least in recent times – where they followed up an incredible 4-3 win over Manchester United by twice throwing away a lead at doomed Sheffield United.
It's the reason they are scratching about in mid-table in a season to forget for Blues fans.
But they can still edge their way into the European spots and on the bright side, they are actually unbeaten in 90 minutes since the start of February – a run stretching back 11 games.
How the bookies view it
Chelsea are just about backable here at 4/6 with bet365 and plenty of others.
Everton are 4/1 outsiders with 888sport and the draw is 10/3 with Willian Hill.
Recent head to heads
Everton beat Chelsea 2-0 at Goodison Park back in December.
The last two encounters at Stamford Bridge have been draws and Everton's last win there was 30 years ago!
Players to watch
Cole Palmer has enjoyed an excellent season with Chelsea and has scored 21 goals for the season, including a hat-trick against Manchester United to make it seven from his last five games. He is 8/5 to score anytime with bet365.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin went from October to the start of this month without a single goal, but has now scored two goals in two games, including the winner against Burnley last week. He is 3/1 with Ladbrokes to score in London.
Anything else catch the eye?
You wonder what impact this latest points deduction will have on Everton, who have been continually booted in the nether regions this season.
And where Chelsea are concerned, you would expect lots of goals.
Since losing the Carabao Cup Final to Liverpool, they have gone seven games in a row with at least four goals and there's no reason to think it will end here.
The hosts have been in reasonable form, but they lack consistency and have failed to beat the likes of Burnley, Sheffield United and Brentford recently. They just can't be trusted to win against visitors fighting for survival.
Therefore the call is over 2.5 goals and both teams to score at a solid 10/11 with bet365.
And Chelsea can go over 3.5 goals for eight games in a row at 7/5 with 10bet too.
This English Premier League match between Chelsea and Everton will be played on Apr 15, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Chelsea vs Everton prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
