Premier League action returns with Thomas Tuchel hoping the final touches of pre-season will be enough to make sure his squad are ready for their trip to Goodison Park. A disappointing preseason tour in the USA - where they collected a lot of air miles in between friendlies - tested the players' stamina and endurance but not in a way you want ahead of the new season.
The Blues are 8/13 favourites for their trip up to Merseyside while the Toffees are 5/1 longshots with Betfred which is surprising considering it was just over three months ago when Frank Lampard's secured a massive 1-0 win over the visitors which avoided relegation. Mind you, they do not have Richarlison anymore.
Thomas Tuchel may not have a side capable of a title challenge - sorry Blues, I just cannot see it happening - but can easily secure a top four place this year. With added depth in the transfer market as the new owners make themselves comfortable at Stamford Bridge, Tuchel is still light in the centre forward role with Romelu Lukaku returning to Inter Milan on loan so it will be interesting to see where their goals will come from.
Meanwhile, the Toffees will be relieved to remain as one of the six clubs to have never been relegated from the Premier League but were one of the most underwhelming sides last season. Lampard has a big job to build on the momentum from last and fight for a mid-table place at the very least.
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Head-to-head record
This will be the 189th meeting between the two sides with Chelsea picking up 74 wins, 56 draws and 58 losses against Everton. In the league, this will be the 167th outing between them with the Blues picking up 74 wins, 56 draws and 58 defeats against the Toffees. Goodison Park has been somewhat of a bogey ground for Thomas Tuchel's side having failed to win there in their last five trips including four defeats-on-the-bounce.
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