Shearer, however, acknowledged the difficulty in dismissing Chelsea, given their formidable attacking trio.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Despite Chelsea’s 5-1 annihilation of Bournemouth last weekend, British pundit and former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer has expressed doubt about their ability to beat Everton in the week 7 English Premier League (EPL) clash on Saturday.
The Premier League legend made his thoughts about the mouthwatering encounter known on Friday in his column in Metro.
Chelsea ended their three-match winless run in the Premier League on Saturday, delivering a decisive victory over Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
During the encounter, Moises Caicedo returned after a lengthy injury layoff and demonstrated composure in midfield, while Jordan Henderson distinguished himself by scoring a brace.
However, despite thumping Bournemouth, Shearer remains sceptical regarding the defensive capabilities of Xabi Alonso’s men, saying that while they will score against Everton, the Toffees are likely to breach their defence.
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He went on to conclude that the hosts will extend their unbeaten run in the league against Chelsea and claim a valuable point at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Englishman, however, acknowledged the difficulty in dismissing the Blues given their formidable attacking trio comprising Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer, and Morgan Rogers.
Shearer wrote, “I anticipate Everton maintaining their unbeaten status, and I am predicting a draw. The outcome is genuinely challenging to determine.
“I see Everton still being unbeaten and I’m going to go for a draw. I think it is really tough to call though. With that forward line for Chelsea of Palmer, Rogers and Joao Pedro, you’d do well to stop them, but I think Everton will also score as well because I’m not convinced by Chelsea defensively and I think it will be a score draw.
“That attacking trio for Chelsea demonstrates exceptional quality. They provide sophistication through various approaches. Their positioning is outstanding, as is their technical proficiency. Should they maintain the fitness of these three players, they represent an exceptional spectacle.
“They provide considerable entertainment value due to their tendency to concede goals, yet they made an explosive start last week, did they not? That demonstrates their capacity to inflict damage. They possess the ability to harm you. Nevertheless, I am forecasting a score draw against Everton.”
