Chelsea vs Everton Prediction: Tough night for The Toffees?

Chelsea host Everton in the Premier League on Monday April 15, at 20:00. The Stamford Bridge outfit have an imminent FA Cup semi-final to look forward to, but that apart it's mid-table anonymity for Mauricio Pochettino's men - not exactly what he was hired to achieve.

Everton, for their part, are embroiled in a relegation scrap courtesy of the league's profit and sustainability rules (alleged breaches thereof). A total of eight points have been deducted from Sean Dyche's side, otherwise they'd be breathing more easily right now. Plenty on the line then .. so here's the Chelsea vs Everton prediction.

Everton have scored just 32 PL goals this season. Only Sheffield Utd, with 30, have fewer. To say hitting the back of the net has been an issue would be an understatement. Despite Chelsea's rather odd, topsy-turvy year, I'm going broadly in this one for a comfortable Chelsea win, and no goals for the visiting Merseysiders.

That's the base from which I'm working, so the kind of bets I'm thinking about are to win to nil, Everton match goals (lack of), Chelsea on the handicap, etc. I've actually plumped for the following;

Chelsea to win and Both Teams to score NO @ 15/8

Half Time/Full Time Chelsea/Chelsea @ 8/5

Match odds;

Ahead of Monday night's hostilities, we go Chelsea 7/10, Draw 3/1, and Everton 7/2.

Team News;

For Chelsea, Cole Palmer came off against Sheffield United but it was thought to be more on the precautionary side of things. Ben Chilwell could return, while Malo Gusto, unwell for the Blades' encounter, might also feature. Axel Disasi and Enzo Fernandez have questions marks beside their names.

Their longer-term list of wounded in action is deep, and most unfortunate, especially with Manchester City lying in wait in that FA Cup semi.

Everton have considerable doubts concerning Arnaut Danjuma, Dele Ali and Lewis Dobbin. There are more positive vibes about Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye.

Chelsea to win and Both Teams to score NO @ 15/8

I've mentioned Cole Palmer. After transferring in from Man City he's swiftly become Chelsea's best player, and one they're most reliant upon to produce match-winning contributions.

He's exceeded expectations, frankly. From struggling to get enough game-time at the Etihad he now bosses the Chelsea offensive side, contributing goals, assists, and vision beyond his years.

It's a damning stat really, that he's so influential having been there all of ten minutes in relative terms. Quite rightly infers that there are several lofty reputations who aren't performing to the levels they should be.

However, having said all that, Chelsea are on a seven-match unbeaten PL run, and Everton have a beyond-wretched record at The Bridge. Chelsea have shipped 52 goals, but they've scored 55 - and don't forget, Everton are a tad shot-shy.

Chelsea win this for me - they've too much firepower for Everton in my view, there's home advantage of course, and though the Cup looms large in players' minds it's several days away yet. Everton drawing a blank is not hard to envisage (yet another famous last words alert, the last refuge of the pundit).

I happen to think (my view only) that the whole points deduction stuff is scandalous. If breaches are found, don't ruin the validity of the competition mid-season - find more appropriate sanctions. That rulings can be reduced on appeal only serves to emphasise the shaky ground that appears to underpin (badly) this whole charade. Anyway ...

Half Time/Full Time Chelsea/Chelsea @ 8/5

Palmer can prompt and cajole his side to a win - and I expect a fast start from the home side. Recent draws against Burnley, Brentford and The Blades must be put aside - if they're to get past City at Wembley what better way to begin those preparations by disposing of The Toffees.

Seeing them with their noses in front at the half, and again at full-time, doesn't require a massive leap in imagination (FLW volume two).

If you're playing, enjoy, take care, and good luck. What a season it's been, and indeed continues to be. We're so lucky to have the PL.

Football betting tips from Betfred Insights.