Chelsea will be hoping to reignite their top four hopes when they travel to face Everton in the Premier League on Saturday at 5:30pm.
The Blues have won just one of their past five league games, and sit three points outside the top four with eight games left to play.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Everton
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Fernandez, Santos; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro.
Liam Rosenior’s men also suffered humilation in the Champions League, beaten 8-2 by Paris Saint-Germain across both legs of their last-16 tie.
Chelsea team news vs Everton
Chelsea suffered in more ways than one in their defeat to PSG in midweek. Trevoh Chalobah had to come off on a stretcher late on against PSG after an ankle injury. Although he confirmed post-match that he hadn’t broken anything, the English centre-back will be out for at least six weeks.
It leaves Chelsea’s options very thin at centre-back. Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana are expected to be the duo, flanked by Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella. Reece James is out until after the international break with a hamstring injury. Benoit Badiashile could return after illness, but Levi Colwill is some way away from fitness.
Robert Sanchez will remain in goal, with Filip Jorgensen needing an operation on a groin injury. He will also be out until after the international break.
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In the absence of James for the midfield, Andrey Santos is likely to continue as Moises Caicedo’s partner. Gusto is another option, but Rosenior doesn’t seem to trust Josh Acheampong at right-back.
Enzo Fernandez will play in the No.10 and should captain the side in James’ absence. Pedro Neto is available after suspension and could replace Alejandro Garnacho on the left of Chelsea’s attack.
Cole Palmer will play on the right, with Joao Pedro through the middle. Jamie Gittens may be in contention for a return, but he’ll only make the bench at best.
A fresh start for Chelsea?
Chelsea hated Goodison Park. The Blues won just one of their last eight trips to Goodison Park, losing five with two draws. They drew their final visit to the stadium in December 2024.
But with the Hill Dickinson Stadium brings a chance for a fresh start. Chelsea are looking to complete the league double over Everton for the first time since 2016-17. And they’ve kept a clean sheet in each of their past four games against the Toffees.
The Blues are the second-best team away from home in the Premier League this season. They’ve taken 25 points from their 15 games on the road, at an average of 1.67 per match. Chelsea have won seven games and only lost four, scoring 30 goals — more than any other away side in the Premier League this season.