Three things Chelsea must do against Everton to avenge their loss to Manchester United.

Chelsea fans were dealt yet another all-too-predictable Premier League defeat on Wednesday.

The Blues traveled to Old Trafford to face a Manchester United side that appeared to be in a bad mood and hell-bent on self-destruction at every opportunity. When the two crisis clubs met, however, Chelsea looked the most fragmented, losing 2-1 to Erik ten Hag’s side.

It was another devastating setback to Mauricio Pochettino and his team after a little fortuitous but hard-fought victory over Brighton last Saturday, which had somewhat mended the damage caused by a 4-1 mauling at Newcastle United.

So, what does Chelsea need to do to beat Everton on Sunday following another heartbreaking defeat?

Keep their discipline

Following Everton’s 3-0 win over Newcastle on Thursday evening, Goodison Park will be rocking when Chelsea pays a visit. The Blues must keep their cool throughout their journey to Merseyside.

Chelsea has suffered with disciplinary troubles this season, with 47 yellow cards and three red cards, with Conor Gallagher the most recent to be dismissed. The midfielder’s outrageous second booking against the Seagulls almost cost him the game, and skipper Reece James was almost sent off during the rout at St James’ Park.

Pochettino even confessed earlier in the season, “There have been too many [yellow cards].” This season’s rules have changed. We move the ball about and get too many yellow cards. That is a habit we must break. We must be astute.”

Everton will most certainly employ their physical advantage against the Blues, and the Goodison Park crowd may suck Chelsea into an aggressive clash this Sunday.

The Toffees are in fantastic form and have avoided relegation despite a ten-point deduction thanks to some strong performances. If Chelsea are drawn into a physical battle with Sean Dyche’s side, they risk making life more difficult for themselves.

Break down the low block

Chelsea may have spent a fortune on attacking alternatives in recent transfer windows, but they have failed to get through low blocks this season.

The Blues have been unable to break down deep defenses in two of their home defeats this season, against Nottingham Forest and Brentford, with the former finishing 1-0 and the latter 2-0. Not only that, but they were vulnerable to swift counter-attacks.

Chelsea team will have to be more effective at penetrating through a deep line against Everton on Sunday, rather than relying on long-range efforts from outside the penalty area.

Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling will be vital in breaking down Everton’s defense, while Enzo Fernandez might play a significant part in a deeper midfield position. When Chelsea does get past Everton’s defense, Nicolas Jackson will need to be less wasteful than he has been for the majority of the season.

Prepare to do battle in the air

Chelsea has conceded headers in four straight matches, which is not a good sign before visiting Goodison Park. Everton have only scored two headed goals this season, despite having one of the tallest squads in the league.

Thiago Silva and Levi Colwill should be able to win aerial duels, with the former winning 77.8% of his aerial confrontations in the Premier League this season. Colwill has also won 74.4% of his aerial fights, indicating that there is no evident explanation why Chelsea has been so vulnerable to crosses into the box.

Everton, on the other hand, have enough of height to trouble the Blues’ backline with players like Beto, James Tarkowski, and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Perhaps James and Marc Cucurella should do a better job of preventing crossing opportunities in wide areas, while Chelsea’s lack of discipline may result in them handing away unneeded set-pieces.

Regardless, Chelsea should brace themselves for an aerial assault on Everton.