Everton vs Chelsea predicted line-ups: Confirmed team news & probable XIs
Chelsea have emerged as Liverpool’s chief rivals in the Premier League title race following a five-match winning run and they head to Merseyside to take on Everton on Sunday afternoon bidding to maintain that strong form.
Everton vs Chelsea predicted lineups
Everton (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Mangala; Harrison, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Veiga; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.
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The Toffees frustrated Arsenal in a goalless draw last weekend, which was their fourth clean sheet in five league outings, and they will be aiming to stay disciplined defensively.
The game at Goodison Park is set for a 14:00 kick-off on Sunday, December 22nd and has not been selected as a televised game.
Chelsea have been transformed under the stewardship of Maresca and they have won their last eight matches in all competitions, highlighting the current feel-good factor at the club.
The Blues edged past London rivals Tottenham in a 4-3 thriller in their last Premier League away game but may have to work a little harder to breach this Everton defence, although knowing a victory would send them top ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Spurs later on in the afternoon should provide some extra motivation.
- Read more: Everton vs Chelsea predictions and stats
The Toffees held Arsenal to a 0-0 draw at the Emirates last weekend and that was their fourth clean sheet in their last five league outings, with them now five games unbeaten at Goodison Park.
Chelsea have won on only one of their last seven visits to the Merseyside venue, suggesting that this could be a tougher test than the current league positions would lead you to believe.
Dyche’s side are now three points clear of the relegation zone thanks to their recent upturn in form, although they have played out five draws in their last nine league matches.
Everton vs Chelsea team news
Armando Broja cannot play against parent club Chelsea due the restrictions placed on his loan move while star man Dwight McNeil has joined James Garner and Timothy Iroegbunam on the sidelines.
The match is also expected to come too soon for Portuguese forward Youssef Chermiti, who is yet to play this season but is reportedly nearing a return.
Chelsea are expected to welcome back all of their big name players after they were given a break for Thursday’s 5-1 win over Shamrock Rovers in the Conference League.
Enzo Maresca has used that European competition to give fringe players and up-and-coming talents valuable minutes, with the likes of Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia not even selected in the squad.
Marc Cucurella is suspended so Renato Veiga may get the nod at left-back ahead of Ben Chilwell, while Mykhailo Mudryk is set to face a ban after he failed a recent drugs test.
Defenders Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile are all expected to miss out, which means Tosin Adarabioyo could partner Levi Colwill in the heart of the Blues backline.
