Everton will be back in action as they host Chelsea at home. Both teams look to bounce back after defeats last weekend.
Everton welcome Chelsea to Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday with European football firmly in their sights. David Moyes’ side sit eighth in the Premier League table, five points behind sixth-placed Chelsea and just six off the Champions League places. A win would close that gap significantly and maintain momentum in their push for continental qualification.
The Toffees head into this one on the back of a cruel 2-0 defeat at Arsenal, where two late goals flattered the title-chasers after Dwight McNeil hit the post and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall forced a fine save from David Raya. Chelsea, meanwhile, have endured a miserable week, losing 1-0 at home to Newcastle before being dumped out of the Champions League with an 8-2 aggregate humiliation at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.
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Team News: Defensive concerns for both sides
David Moyes faces uncertainty at centre-back after James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite both missed the Arsenal trip. Branthwaite’s workload is being managed following his long-term hamstring injury, while Tarkowski picked up a problem in training. If neither recovers, Michael Keane, who was impressive against the Gunners, will continue alongside Jake O’Brien. Jack Grealish remains sidelined for the season, while Tyrique George is ineligible against his parent club.
Chelsea’s injury list is lengthier. Trevoh Chalobah, who has played the most minutes of any Chelsea outfielder this season, will miss around six weeks with an ankle injury sustained against PSG. Liam Rosenior confirmed: “Fortunately, it’s nowhere near as serious as we first feared. We’re looking at maybe six weeks”. Reece James is out until after the international break with a hamstring issue, while Filip Jorgensen requires minor groin surgery. Levi Colwill remains a long-term absentee.
Chelsea’s vulnerabilities
Sourav Mohanty from readchelsea.com offered a frank assessment of the visitors’ struggles: “I think right now, we are seeing with Chelsea, something that we have pretty much every season under the BlueCo model. A young, inexperienced squad struggling to perform consistently. Under Mauricio Pochettino and Enzo Maresca, they were able to finish strong. Does Liam Rosenior have the same quality to get his team over the finish line? I have my doubts.”
He added: “Everton have as good a chance as any to get something out of this team.”
Chelsea have lost three consecutive matches in all competitions and managed only one clean sheet in 14 league games under Rosenior.
Form guide, prediction and how to watch
Everton’s recent form reads L-L-W-W-L, while Chelsea’s is W-W-L-L-L. The Toffees have won two of their last three home league meetings with Chelsea, though they’ve failed to score in the last four encounters overall.
Moyes is winless in 20 Premier League away games against Chelsea, but this one is at home. I believe with both defences depleted and shaky confidence, it will be an open contest. Given Chelsea’s defensive absences and Everton’s resilience at home, a share of the spoils looks the likeliest outcome. The most likely outcome might be Everton 1-1 Chelsea.
Kick-off is 5:30 pm GMT at Hill Dickinson Stadium, televised live on Sky Sports Main Event from 5pm.
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