Everton vs Chelsea: The worrying statistic Xabi Alonso must address before Saturday’s clash

Everton vs Chelsea: The worrying statistic Xabi Alonso must address before Saturday’s clash Chelsea will be aiming to record consecutive Premier League wins when they face Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Saturday’s early kick-off. The Blues are tied on points with the Toffees, but the hosts boast a better goal difference. Chelsea have been one of the best attacking teams in the division, but their defensive frailties have let them down. They have conceded 13 league goals, the joint-highest tally in the division. They have not kept a clean sheet in their last 22 league matches — their longest such run since a 31-game sequence between November 1960 and August 1961 . Saturday’s visit to Everton could offer the west London side the chance to end that run. Chelsea have kept clean sheets in four of their last five matches against Everton, although they suffered a 3-0 defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium last season. The Merseysiders have not been great offensively, ranking 10th for both expected goals (xG) and goals scored. David Moyes’ side have relied heavily on their defensive resilience so far. They have conceded five goals — the joint-fewest in the division. However, with Thierno Barry, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Tyrique George, Everton have players who can hurt Chelsea. Chelsea must improve their defensive organisation to prevent Everton from exploiting transitions and set pieces. Moises Caicedo must be disciplined in his positioning and prevent the Toffees from progressing the ball through the middle. He should also be ready to cover the Blues’ advancing full-backs. Chelsea’s full-backs need to balance their attacking and defensive responsibilities to stop Everton from exploiting the flanks. The centre-backs will also play a prominent role, particularly in keeping Barry quiet. The Senegalese forward has netted in each of his last two league matches. Everton will be looking to hurt Chelsea from set-pieces, making it vital that Alonso’s side prevent committing unnecessary fouls. Chelsea’s attacking quality makes them favourites, but their defensive solidity could prove more decisive in this clash.