Paul Merson makes score prediction for Everton vs Chelsea in the Premier League

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Chelsea return to league action this weekend with a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton.

Chelsea made it eight wins on the spin across all competitions on Thursday night by winning 5-1 at home to Shamrock Rovers in the Conference League.

The Blues’ purple patch of form includes five consecutive victories in the Premier League, which has resulted in people viewing them as big title contenders. In fact, Enzo Maresca’s side will temporarily leapfrog leaders Liverpool into top spot if they win away at Everton.

Jamie Carragher now views Chelsea as title challengers in this season’s Premier League, but he still thinks they’ll fall short because they lack quality in a couple of areas.

• READ MORE: Don Hutchison rates the percentage chance that Chelsea will finish in the Premier League’s top two this season

Paul Merson predicts Everton vs Chelsea

Paul Merson has tipped Chelsea to keep up their winning streak when they travel to Everton on Sunday afternoon.

Merson told Sportskeeda: “This is a hard game for Chelsea even though they’re flying at the moment…Everton will make life difficult for Chelsea with how they play under Sean Dyche. But honestly, if you’re a fan of them, you don’t want to be seeing that every week. It’s just backs against the wall, they sit back and do nothing.

“I expect Chelsea to slice them open at some point in this game and it will be a massive result for the visitors at Goodison Park. Prediction: Everton 0-2 Chelsea.”

Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia may be available to face Everton after his recent injury absence. Hopefully, Maresca will be able to provide a clearer update in Friday’s pre-match press conference.

Will we get more Cole Palmer magic vs Everton?

Cole Palmer, 22, continues to shine on a weekly basis for the Blues. He’s now preparing to face an Everton side that he tormented in one fixture last season.

Chelsea beat Everton 6-0 at Stamford Bridge back in April, which included a stunning four-goal display from Palmer.

Premier League clubs think Palmer gives Chelsea a chance in the title race, and there’s no doubt that so much relies on his young shoulders. It’s more of a team effort this year compared to last season, though.

In fairness, Everton did win last season’s fixture at Goodison Park against Chelsea by a 2-0 scoreline, so the Blues travel to Merseyside knowing they could be in for a tough match.