Chelsea must guard against manager-sacking-bounceback thing

Chelsea take on Everton on Wednesday night, days after the Toffees relieved Ronald Koeman of his duties. Beware the manager-sacking-bounceback thing.

For some relatively irrational reason, clubs who have just sacked their manager tend to raise their game in the next match. The manager-sacking-bounceback phenomenon is indeed just that. A phenomenon. Unfortunately for Chelsea, they could end up the victims when they face an inevitably reinvigorated Everton on Wednesday evening.

After doing a decent job last season, Ronald Koeman spent a lot of money in the summer. Everton, though, have crashed at the first corner and find themselves in the relegation zone. Koeman is no longer in charge.

As the club looks to reset and get back on track, their first manager-less fixture comes against the Blues. The Toffees will be eager to close the last chapter and open a new one. What better way to begin than with a win at Stamford Bridge.

While their hopes of Champions League qualification have likely faded into thin air, Everton will see the EFL Cup as an opportunity. With a minimal amount of games required to reach the final, the Merseyside club may fancy their chance to lift the trophy. After all, Southampton were agonisingly close to it last season.

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With their heavier schedule, Antonio Conte may rest some of his aching players midweek. That only heightens the prospect of an unceremonious early exit. Everton’s caretaker boss, David Unsworth, is unlikely to field a team of academy prospects when the Toffees are so desperate for the taste of victory.

Hence, the Blues must be cautious and consider Everton to be as dangerous as they really should be. Moreover, in case you had forgotten, Chelsea were on the verge of their own crisis on Saturday. Losing to a struggling club at home will only fuel those rumours of player unrest and mutiny.

Chelsea managed to come off the ropes against Watford, but they are still wobbly on their feet. Everton are being handed a prime opportunity to kick their campaign into gear.

Usually, a midweek Carabao Cup tie is just an excuse for fans to go down the pub and have multiple pints on a workday. For clubs such as Chelsea, it’s just an inconvenience that needs to be negotiated.

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However, for once, there is a lot riding on a League Cup clash. A loss for either side could have severe repercussions for their 2017/18 seasons. Let’s hope the Blues are up to the task.