Chelsea can, albeit briefly, move to the top of the Premier League table with victory over Everton on Sunday.
The Blues once again benefited from Liverpool's points loss last weekend The ghost side beat Brentford 2-1 At Stamford Bridge. Next up is another potential banana peel, as the Toffees have enjoyed their fair share of success against the Blues in recent years, especially on Merseyside.
The west London club has not lost since October, with its deficit against the league leaders being just two points. They finished off the Conference League stage on Thursday evening with a 5-1 win over Shamrock Rovers as Enzo Maresca once again used the sides of his giant side.
Everton fans have been hugely relieved not to have to watch their team much this month, and Goodison will certainly be thriving on Sunday given the news surrounding Friedkins' takeover.
Sean Dyche's side beat Wolves 4-0 last time out at home and held on Arsenal To a goalless draw in the Emirates last weekend. They are up to 16th place.
here 90 minutes Guide to ChelseaThe next confrontation in the English Premier League.
Everton vs Chelsea H2H record (last five matches)
Current form (all competitions)
|
Everton |
Chelsea |
|---|---|
|
Arsenal 0-0 Everton – 12/14/24 |
Chelsea 5-1 Shamrock Rovers – 12/19/24 |
|
Everton 4-0 Wolverhampton – 12/04/24 |
Chelsea 2-1 Brentford – 12/15/25 |
|
Manchester United 4-0 Everton – 12/01/24 |
Astana 1-3 Chelsea – 12/12/24 |
|
Everton 0-0 Brentford – 11/23/24 |
Tottenham 3-4 Chelsea – 12/08/24 |
|
West Ham 0-0 Everton – 11/09/24 |
Southampton 1-5 Chelsea – 12/04/24 |
|
nation |
TV Channel/Live Broadcast |
|---|---|
|
UK |
Unavailable – Live radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live |
|
US |
fuboTV, nbcsports.com, NBC Sports App, UNIVERSO NOW, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, USA Network, UNIVERSO |
|
Canada |
Fubo TV Canada |
Dwight McNeil has been a key component of the Toffees' squad since joining the club and has been impressive again this season. However, the midfielder missed last week's draw with Arsenal due to injury, and it remains to be seen whether he will be fit for the visit of Chelsea – Sean Dyche said in his press conference that it is “touch and go” whether he will be involved or not.
Everton will certainly be without striker Armando Broga, who is not eligible to face his former club on Sunday, while James Garner suffers from a muscle injury and may miss again. Youssef Shermaiti and Tim Erugbunam will be sidelined.
The expected formation of Everton against Chelsea (4-4-1-1):Beckford; Jung, Tarkovsky, Branthwaite, Mikulenko; Harrison, Jay, Mangala, Ndiaye; Ducouri. Calvert-Lewin.
Mark Cucurella started Thursday with Maresca aware of the Spaniard's suspension for Sunday's game. Renato Vega, who started at centre-back against Shamrock Rovers, is likely to replace the left-back at Goodison Park.
Benoit Badiashile was ready to launch into the team after Wesley Fofana's latest injury setback, but the left-footed defender has suffered an issue that should see Tosin Adarabioyo included in the squad on Sunday alongside Levi Colwell.
Reece James and Carne Chukwuemeka are out, while Mykhailo Modric is out for the foreseeable future. Failed a drug test per week.
Chelsea's expected lineup against Everton (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Caicedo, Tosin, Colwell, Vega; Fernandez, Lafia; Neto, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.
It is difficult to imagine any team slowing Chelsea's momentum, but Goodison Park has not been a particularly happy hunting ground for the Blues of late.
And with the venue set to be in a ferocious mood in the wake of Farhad Moshiri's exit, Sunday looks to be a tough test for Maresca's side – even if they are well rested.
Dyche's side are physical and compact, and they are sure to use a similar blue print from last weekend's draw at the Emirates Stadium. The hosts are set to give in and aim to hit Chelsea on the break as well as from set-pieces, and they could do enough to tame the Blues on Sunday.
