Chelsea vs Everton: What do the Blues think about the Royal Blues?

Richarlison has scored 4 goals in the last 4 Premier League games for Everton

PRT: Richarlison is in electric form. Does Chelsea’s defence have enough firepower in them to stop this Brazilian storm?

"Gabe: Chelsea’s reinvented defence has pocketed Son, Danny Ings, Luis Suarez, Joao Felix, Bruno Fernandes, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane—and that’s just since Tuchel took over. The only non-Chelsea player to score on this defence thus far is Takumi Minamino. For the aforementioned reasons, I’d say it’s safe to assume that if they continue to play well, the Blues’ three centerbacks can contain Richarlison and keep him out of the net. That said, Richarlison is also one of the most in-form forwards Chelsea has had to face recently, so it won’t be a simple task. The key for keeping Richarlison from scoring will be controlling possession and limiting his chances. If Everton gets five or six good looks, favor the Brazilian to score. If the Toffees struggle for shots like many others before them, the Blues’ back line will have the upper hand."

PRT: Which player battle are you most excited about?

"Gabe: I’m incredibly excited to see how Andreas Christensen—assuming Thiago Silva remains out—and Antonio Rudiger are able to handle Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The duo made Luis Suarez look like a spectator in the Champions League and they have yet to come up against a proper No. 9 since then. DCL is having himself an incredible season and will perhaps be the biggest threat the Blues have faced under Tuchel. The midfield battle is also a really intriguing one. A pivot against a diamond always makes for a juicy bout, regardless of who is deployed for either side."

PRT: What are your score predictions? 

"Gabe: I’d be incredibly surprised if this was a shootout. I think there will be an early goal from the home side, who doubles up late after a lot of meaningless possession. In the end, the injuries are too much for Everton to overcome. However, the scoreline will not do the Toffees justice as they’ll play the Blues incredibly close. Chelsea 2-0 Everton."

We thank Gabe and Pride of London for taking the time out to answer our questions. You can find his articles for Chelsea here.