EVERTON are now in the drop zone and in grave danger of ending 72 years in a row without relegation, so a win against Chelsea on Sunday is utterly imperative.
Chelsea icon Frank Lampard is of course now in charge at Everton and his men were far from disgraced, which many of even their own fans feared, at Anfield last week before eventually going down to a 2-0 defeat.
They had loud claims for a penalty and will need every decision to go for them between now and the end of the season. This is the first of six cup finals for them really and they still also have to play Leicester City, Watford, Crystal Palace, Brentford and Arsenal, with only the match against the Hornets a game where they would be really confident of winning.
Goodison Park should be rocking knowing the significance of this game and they will need that support in their precarious position.
For European champions Chelsea, they look fairly certain to get third spot being six points ahead of Arsenal and their forthcoming FA Cup Final against Liverpool will be their main aim.
Their form has been patchy recently with one win, one draw and a defeat at home to Arsenal.
How the bookies view it
Chelsea are odds-on favourites here at 3/4 with SBK. Everton can be backed at a big price of 9/2 with the same firm and the draw is 11/4 with bet365.
Recent head to heads
The sides met at Stamford Bridge before Christmas and Everton frustrated their hosts with a 1-1 draw as can be seen below.
In fact, Chelsea have a poor record at Goodison Park – they have lost their last three trips there and haven't won in four.
Players to watch
Anthony Gordon was excellent last week at Liverpool and gave the home defenders a torrid time with his non-stop energy. The 21-year-old scored the winner recently against Manchester United and he is 5/1 to score on Sunday with bet365.
Mason Mount has been in consistent form, unlike his team, recently and netted in three recent games in a row against Southampton, Real Madrid and Crystal Palace. He is 23/10 with Paddy Power to score anytime.
Anything else catch the eye?
Given Everton's improved performance, the fact that Goodison Park is a recent graveyard for Chelsea and the hosts' need for points, Frank Lampard's side could be value to get at least a point on the double chance price of 6/5 with UniBet.
And with Everton having to go for this against a Chelsea defence who have conceded plenty recently – four to Arsenal, three and two to Real Madrid, four to Brentford – it's worth investing on a home goal before the 78th minute at 5/6 with bet365.
This English Premier League match between Everton and Chelsea will be played on May 1, 2022 and kick off at 14:00. Check below for our tipsters best Everton vs Chelsea prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.